Rebound hammer test conducted at hospital construction site in Mokokchung

MOKOKCHUNG —  In a significant development aimed at ensuring structural integrity and public safety, a rebound hammer test was conducted on Friday at the construction site of Dr. Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH) in Mokokchung.

The test is part of an investigation into the quality of work being carried out under the ‘Upgradation of IMDH Main Building’ project, sanctioned under the National Health Mission (2018-19).

This move follows a meeting resolution passed on June 19, by various stakeholders, including the Department of Health and Family Welfare. The department had appointed M/S North East Engineers to conduct the rebound hammer test-an essential non-destructive testing method used to assess the compressive strength of concrete.

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The testing was carried out in the presence of a joint team comprising representatives from the district administration, technical department, and community stakeholders.

Among the key observers were Mokokchung ADC and MMC CEO Atsung Walling, SDO (Civil) Mokokchung, Ao Senden leaders, Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) members, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Medical Superintendent (MS) of IMDH, and representatives of the hospital’s construction firm.

Testing consultants Rahul Kumar Paswan and Swapan Kaushik Bhargab from M/S North East Engineers randomly assessed the quality of concrete across various structural components, including columns, beams, and slabs, from the bottom to top floors.

Ao Senden general secretary made a public appeal at the site, urging the consultants to ensure complete transparency and accuracy in the test.

He said that the outcome of this test would have long-term implications for public safety and the credibility of those involved in the construction.

“This is a one-time opportunity. We want this hospital to stand the test of time,” he stated, adding that any future structural failure would call the testing firm’s reputation into question.

Ao Senden also revealed that it is maintaining a detailed file of the hospital’s upgrade project to hold all parties accountable.

Leaders of the Ao Students’ Conference echoed these concerns, stressing the hospital’s importance to the people of Mokokchung both emotionally and physically. They urged that the test be conducted with the highest level of professionalism and seriousness. ADC Atsung Walling confirmed that the test results are expected within the next five to seven days. Once received, stakeholders will convene to evaluate the findings and decide the next course of action for the IMDH construction.

This latest development is a direct result of sustained civic vigilance and pressure. On May 21, the Ao Students’ Conference had demanded that the Nagaland state government set up an independent evaluation team to inspect the quality of the IMDH Block ‘A’ construction.

This was followed by a directive issued on May 31 to halt all construction activity by KC Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd. until a formal evaluation was completed.

Friday’s testing marks a milestone in community-led accountability and could set a precedent for public infrastructure projects across the state.