The Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO), along with presidents and secretaries of its federating units, inspected the ongoing restoration works at the Phesama landslide site on November 3 and expressed satisfaction over the progress, with the road expected to reopen by November 20.
Addressing the media after the inspection, SAYO president Zasitsolie Beio said the organisation had observed the ongoing works undertaken by the contractors and was satisfied with the progress. He said approximately 80% of the restoration work had been completed, although blacktopping and other finishing works were still pending.
Beio, however, appealed to the district administration to consider opening a temporary passage with suitable timings to ease the difficulties faced by villagers, commuters and students. He particularly highlighted the approaching final examinations of colleges and requested that a temporary route be made accessible during the period to ensure students could travel without disruption.
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Meanwhile, Phesama Youth Organisation President Ketouneio Zashumo highlighted the deteriorating condition of the alternative road connecting Phesama with Kisama , particularly the stretch via Rhododendron Resort and Kisama Gate.
He said even small and light vehicles were finding it difficult to negotiate the road, resulting in traffic congestion, especially during morning rush hours. He added that school and college students were facing difficulties reaching their institutions on time, while office-goers were also affected.
Zashumo urged the concerned contractors and authorities to repair the alternative route at the earliest, expressing hope that the road could be made motorable by the following week to ease the difficulties of commuters during peak hours.
Responding to the concerns, contractor Ketousie Khamo said the public had been facing considerable hardship but assured that efforts were being made to complete the work at the earliest.
He said the soiling and metalling work on the Phesama side was expected to be completed by Monday, after which the emergency road could be opened for students and other commuters.
Khamo clarified that the stretch towards Kisama was being handled by a different contractor and that he could not comment on the progress of work on that side.
He also expressed appreciation to the people of Phesama for their cooperation and support during the restoration works, assuring that his team would make every effort to complete its portion of the work within the stipulated time.
