Kohima: Nagaland Department of PWD (NH) has clarified that the implementation of the State Accelerated Road Development Programme- North East (SARDP-NE) project in Nagaland executed by Maytas and Gayatri (JV) has been temporarily suspended due to the monsoon.
However, some items of works are continuing.
A press release issued by Chief Engineer PWD (NH) Peter Solo has said attention of the NPWD (National Highways) has been drawn to newspaper reports on the abandoned SARDP road projects in Nagaland and more than 80 per cent of earth work and 25 per cent of culverts have been completed on all the four road projects under the SARDP.
It is deeply regretted that the people of Zunheboto, Phek and Longleng Districts are facing inconveniences and problems due to subsidence and mudslides during this rainy season. However, the contractor is fully engaged in clearing all slides and the road is expected to be opened shortly.
The release said the department would like to clarify, as well as admit that the initial Detailed Project Report (DPR) was found deficient as the quantum of earth work had been largely underestimated.
It was only during implementation that such deficiencies were observed and works were carried out as per actual requirements.
During the Indian Roads Congress meeting held at Kohima in May-June this year, road experts were taken to various spots and they have found the works acceptable.
Further, the Centre has constituted a Committee under the Chairmanship of Vijay Chibber, Special Secretary and Financial Advisor to the Government of India for inspection and follow up action on execution of the roads.
The Department would like to clarify that the costs of similar projects in other hilly regions are higher than that of Nagaland as per the original DPR.
Moreover, it is to be mentioned that the project is under contract with the joint venture and the question of it being handed over to any other Agency does not arise unless the Contract is nullified as per procedures and the terms of agreement.
The Department, once again, seeks the cooperation of all concerned so that the project can be completed on time, the release said.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development and Rural Employment and Poverty Alleviation (REPA) S Pangyu Phom has urged upon the Rural Development Block of Kohima to create an asset for income generation.
He also asserted time has come to set an income generating scale for the future generation, also indicating that Nagas will survive on Village Development Board (VDB) if they lead the way. (UNI)