TR
Zeliang during a review meeting in Kohima on Wednesday.
DIMAPUR — Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, who
also holds Planning & Transformation and National Highway portfolios, has
directed the contractor concerned to immediately commence work on the
Kohima-Jessami (package-II) section.
A press release informed that Zeliang delivered this
instruction during a review meeting held to assess the progress of ongoing
National Highway projects and address critical issues hindering their smooth
implementation in the state.
Zeliang warned the contractor that undue delays could invite
termination of the contract. “Both NHIDCL and deputy commissioner of Phek also
admonished the contractor for non-performance, which has caused significant
hardship to the public,” it stated.
Two other projects that attracted scrutiny were the
Peren-Dimapur (package-V) and Merangkong-Tamlu-Mon (package-IV).
“On the land acquisition and damage compensation matter of
the Peren-Dimapur (package-V), DC Chumukedima informed that the delay in
finalising damage compensation was due to non-submission of the estimates by
departments such as Horticulture, Agriculture, and PWD (Housing).
“Additionally, rectification of alignment in certain
sections has further delayed the process. However, he assured that the matter
will be expedited and submitted to NHIDCL at the earliest,” it stated.
Also, the executive director of NHIDCL highlighted
disruptions in the Merangkong-Tamlu-Mon (package-IV) project “caused by the
Konyak Union and civil society (organisations), citing concerns over the
quality of work.”
“These interruptions have resulted in time and cost overruns
for the government,” it stated.
While acknowledging the role of civil society organisations
as a watchdog, the deputy chief minister urged the stakeholders to address
their grievances through proper channels instead of halting work.
“He emphasised that complaints regarding quality should be
lodged with the district administration or NHIDCL for verification. If claims
are validated, appropriate action will be taken against the defaulting contractor.
“The deputy chief minister also informed that he will
conduct an onsite inspection of the Kohima Bypass on the 11th of March 2025 to
address minor issues faced by the contractor and NHIDCL. This spot verification
aims to ensure timely resolution of challenges and smooth progress of the
project,” it added.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner & Secretary
(Works & Housing) Kesonyu Yhome; Commissioner & Secretary (Land
Revenue) Zasekuolie Chusi; the executive director of NHIDCL, the respective deputy
commissioners of Kohima, Chumukedima, Phek, and Meluri; and a representative
from the office of DC Peren.
“The government remains committed to addressing challenges
and ensuring the timely completion of National Highway projects, which are
critical to the state's infrastructure development and economic growth,” it
stated.
