Kohima: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kohima Honje Konyak has expressed serious concern over the insincerity and carelessness of the Border Road Organisation (BRO) in construction of roads, especially the National Highway 29, and its drainage system in Kohima district for past several years.
Konyak told a section of the media persons that he himself, along with Sub- Divisional Officer (civil) and the President of the Northern Angami Youth Organization (NAYO) Peter Rutsa visited various areas where worse drainages were lying untouched in Kohima yesterday and found the roads constructed by the BRO in Kohima and its outskirts was washed away in a single shower of rain, creating potholes on the road.
He also informed that during the joint co-ordination meeting held with Kohima Municipal Council, officials of Urban Development, Nagaland Roads and Bridges, PHED and district administration with the Border Road Task Force (BRTF, branch of BRO in Nagaland) last year in June, BRO reportedly informed the members that the sanction was already obtained for the construction of concrete drainage along the side of roads at Kohima town and claimed that the work was about to begin.
Konyak lamented that though all concerned citizens, NGOs and district administration was eager to cooperate for the construction, the ‘insincerity’ of the BRO has result in spoiling the road and said they should come out and begin the work once again and remove the dump of earth between the road and drains so that rain water can flow from road to drain. Pointing out that he along with Officer in Charge of BRTF, verified the same on December 2013 and January 2014, Konyak said that he made a suggestion for a ‘sketch map’ however lamented that same has not been initiated ‘intentionally’.
Mr Konyak further informed that besides the eager cooperation from various sections, the district administration has even informed the BRO about sacrificing certain amount if their sanctioned amount could not cover the constructing of drainages.
On the PHE pipelines, telecom and water private lines along the drainage, Konyak said even these officials were ready to see the possibilities of shifting or alternative measures.
However he said BRO has failed to respond to all these calls including the decision made during the meeting and always blaming the people for non-cooperation. NAYO President Peter Rutsa also regretted the ‘insincerity’ of BRO though landowners are all prepared to cooperate.
According to some people, who had purchased coal tar for pitch their private roads, cements, bricks, various sizes of stones for building purposes and other construction materials, they were getting in cheaper rate from BRO in Kohima than the market rate.
There are allegations that the Engineers of BRO are only sitting in their offices and some constables are engaged to instruct the labourers for constructions on the roads. (UNI)