DIMAPUR — Following concerns raised by local communities about the construction of the Kohima-Mao Gate (NH-2/A-1) road project, the government of Nagaland has constituted a Fact-Finding Technical Team (FFTT) to investigate the matter.
In view of this development, the Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) has appealed to the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) to temporarily withhold its proposed closure of National Highway-2 to traffic if the authorities fail to maintain the road.
In a press release issued on Monday, SAPO welcomed the government's response and appealed to all citizens to co-operate with the authorities during the investigation period.
It said that the team, headed by the Chief Engineer PWD (NH)-2 Public Works Department (National Highways), comprises of representatives from the District Administration, Kohima, the Executive Engineer PWD (NH) Kohima Division, and three members from concerned NGOs. The FFTT has been tasked with examining the construction's adherence to the detailed project report (DPR) contract agreement, investigating all aspects of work quality and safety audits, determining the reasons for the project's undue delay, and exploring any other relevant issues.
Furthermore, the team has been directed to submit its investigation report to the state government within three weeks. The Executive Director , National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has been instructed to provide all relevant documents while the General Manager, NHIDCL of the Kohima-Mao Gate road has been directed to assist and accompany the committee during the investigation period.
Accordingly, SAPO urged the NHIDCL to take immediate and stern action to address public concerns regarding road expansion and safety norms implementation, stating that it expects the company to cooperate fully with the FFTT and provide all necessary documents and assistance to ensure a thorough investigation.
It also urged the Executive Director, NHIDCL, and General Manager Kohima-Mao Gate road, the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors, as well as the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to prioritise the NH-2 road connectivity and thoroughly examine the public concern regarding the road expansion and implementation of safety norms.
“We expect this investigation report to open a new chapter for better infrastructure development,” SAPO stated, urging the NHIDCL to take the lead in ensuring timely and efficient completion of the road project, with safety and quality as the top priority.
Stating that it would continue to co-operate and facilitate the development process and will not hinder any development or the FFTT, SAPO said it would work hand in hand with the implementing agency to see that the project and the investigation by the FFTT is completed within the stipulated timeframe.
“The organisation appeals to citizens to co-operate with authorities during this investigation period and anticipates that the facts will be revealed, ending the blame game and ignorance,” it added.