Minister for PWD (R&B), Vikheho Swu, today inaugurated the longest Bailey bridge in the state at Pangsha over river Yongmon between Ukha and Yangching village connecting Longleng and Mon district.
Addressing a massive gathering from Phom and Konyak communities on the bank of Yongmon river, after inaugurating the 137.16 meters (450ft) bridge over Yongmon river and the 7 kilometer road from Yangching village under Longleng district to Mopong SDO (C) HQ in Mon district that connects the people of Longleng and Mon districts, Vikheho said good road communication and proper bridge brings not only development but also extends in ushering peace, unity and co-existence among the people.
He said proper bridge and good road communication is important for development, economic stability, and academic advancement in a society.
Minister also said that DAN Government is committed for the upliftment of Eastern Nagaland areas through implementing of various developmental activities and setting up of different department and commission for the backward districts of the state so that people from the those districts may not lack behind. He also asserted that for many years there were no proper road and bridge connectivity in the state in general and Eastern Nagaland in particular. However, under the DAN Government many roads and bridges have been constructed connecting all nook and corners of the state. Minister hoped that by inaugurating the longest Bailey bridge not only the people of the state are benefitted but other south East Asian Countries too will be benefitted as the Government would be taking up International border road construction very soon via this route. He also extended gratitude and deep appreciation to Pongshih Phom, Class 1 Contractor for extending patient hearing to the government’s request and completing the construction of bridge in time without any hindrance and waiting for the government for payment. The minister also urged the people of both the district to take care of the bridge for the betterment and to usher more development in future.
Presenting technical report, Additional Chief Engineer Mokokchung zone, K.Rhetso, said construction of DDR Bailey Bridge over Yongmon River from Ukha-Yangching Longleng road with a span of 137.16 meters is one of the major projects in the history of NPWD connecting Longleng & Mon district. He said for the construction of Bailey bridge over Yongmon River at Pangsha, the first foundation stone was laid by E.E. Pangteang, the then Hon’ble MLA and present parliamentary Secretary on 13-11-2008. He said the government initiated preparing DPR by engaging M/s Nohol & Sons as consultant and it was worked out to Rs.889.07 Lakh where the second foundation stone was laid by, Kaito Aye, the then Minister for PWD (R&B) and present MLA on 24-01-2012 and subsequently the contract package was awarded to Pongshih Phom, NPWD Class 1 contractor for the execution initially for Rs. 88.07 lakh. Rhetso said that in the course of execution, a revised estimate was found necessary to be prepared due to changing of sudden river course at the location. Accordingly he said, the consultant has been requested to prepare the revise estimate updating the scope work as per site condition by estimating the final project cost which was enhanced to Rs. 2261.11 lakh.
Others who spoke on the occasion includes, E.E. Pangteang Parliamentary Secretary, Sericulture, CD & Home Guards, Naiba Konyak, Advisor NBDA & NEPED, Leisha Phom, President PPC and S.Manlep President, Konyak Union.
Earlier, the dedicatory prayer was said by C.Chingmei Pastor, Yangching Baptist Church. Er. Lopongol Angami, SE PWD (R&B) Mon circle chaired the programme. Departmental officials, NGO’s, Contractors, public leaders, party leaders, village chiefs and general public’s from both the districts attended the programme.