In view of the Nagaland State Government’s proactive steps, the Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) has appealed the Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO) to temporarily withhold the proposed highways traffic closure, as the State Government has intervened to resolve the matter.
The Organization expressed Its sincere appreciation to the State Government’s constitution of a Fact-Finding Technical Team (FFTT) to investigate the ongoing construction of the Kohima-Mao (NH-2/A-1) road project. The Fact Finding Technical Team, headed by the Chief Engineer PWD (NH) -2 Public Works Department (National Highways) as Convenor, comprises representatives from the District Administration, Kohima, the Executive Engineer PWD (NH) Kohima Division, and three members from concerned NGOs. The team 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.
The SAPO has also urged the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) under the authority of the Executive Director (ED), to take immediate and stern action to address public concerns regarding road expansion and safety norms implementation, which have become a significant national concern.
“We expect NHIDCL to cooperate fully with the FFTT, providing all necessary documents and assistance to ensure a thorough investigation. The team has been directed to submit their investigation report to the Nagaland State Government within three weeks. The Executive Director (P), NHIDCL has been called upon to provide all relevant documents to the FFTT. The General Manager NHIDCL of the Kohima-Mao Road has been directed to assist and accompany the committee during the investigation period,” stated the SAPO in a press release today.
The organization appealed to citizens to cooperate with authorities during this investigation period and anticipated that the facts will be revealed, ending the blame game and ignorance.
The SAPO has also urged the Executive Director, NHIDCL, and General Manager Kohima-Mao, the EPC Contractor and the central ministry MORTH to thoroughly examine public concerns regarding road expansion and safety norms implementation.
“We expect this investigation report to open a new chapter for better infrastructure development. The SAPO calls upon the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH), Executive Director (P), NHIDCL Kohima, (EPC) Engineering, Procurement, and Construction contractors to prioritize NH-2 road connectivity. We urge NHIDCL to take the lead in ensuring the road project’s timely and efficient completion, with utmost regard for safety and quality at the top priority,” it implored.
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The Organization further assured that it shall render its cooperation to facilitate the development process and will not hinder any development and the technical team (FFTT) within this NH-2 stretch. It further assured to work hand in hand with the implementing agency to see that the project and the FFTT is completed within the stipulated time frame.
A notification Issued by Kesonyü Yhome, IAS Commissioner & Secretary to the Govt. of Nagaland, on June 15 informed that the Fact- Finding Technical Team has been constituted to examine in detail the construction of the ongoing Kohima-Mao (NI 1-02) Road. Comprising of the following members
1. Chief Engineer. (NH) – Convenor
2. District Administration/ Representative. Kohima – Member
3. The Executive Engineer, P WI) (NH). Kohima Division – Member
4. 3 (three) Representatives from concemed NGO’s – Member
The terms of reference of the Fact-Finding Technical Team are as under:
L . To access and examine whether the ongoing construction of the road is as per the DPR/contracl agreement.
2. To investigate all aspect of work quality and safety audit.
3. Find out the reasons for the undue delay in the completion of the road project.
5. Look into any other relevant issues as deemed necessary and fit by it.
The notification also directed the ED, NHIDCL (P), Kohima to provide all relevant documents, DPR and records as sought by the Fact-Finding Technical Team. The General Manager, NHIDCL of the Kohima-Mao Road has been directed to accompany and assist the Team during the site visits.
“The Team shall examine the issues/ grievances raised by the SAPO and SAYO in detail and shall endeavour to complete the work and submit the report within 3 (Three) weeks of the issue of this Notification,” stated Yhome.
