National People’s Party (NPP) Phek unit has strongly condemned what it described as National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL)’s “blatant disregard” for the suffering of the people due to the deplorable condition of the Kohima-Jessami road specifically the Chakhaba-Kikruma stretch (Package II).
In a letter addressed to the NHIDCL general manager (P) PMU Pfutsero, the NPP Phek unit president Kuvekhuyi D Vadeo and General Secretary Khrope Tsuhah stated that despite its frequent appeals and warnings, NHIDCL demonstrated “a callous disregard” for human life and public safety.
NPP unit said that contractor’s inactivity and NHIDCL’s negligence have resulted in immense hardship, damage and risk to commuters. Before 2-lane road project started, NPP unit said the road was serving its purpose well to the people of Phek district though with some minor repairs during rainy season.
However, it said that after the “insincere implementation” of two-lane road programme, the road has been battered and reduced the life of the people to a very dilapidated condition.
NPP unit said it had highlighted the urgency and gravity of the situation through press statements, but NHIDCL chose to ignore its pleas.
Further, the party said the project monitoring group (PMG), Phek district’s recommendation (Order No. DCPK/LR/2-LANE/GEN/1/2021/171, dated June 13, 2024) to terminate the contract was disregarded and therefore exacerbated the crisis.
Stating that people’s patience has worn thin and would not tolerate further negligence, the NPP unit has demanded immediate termination of the contract with the “incompetent contractor” and call for a fresh tender. It also demanded commencement of road maintenance work immediately.
Failure to comply with its demands, the NPP unit said it would be compelled to take severe action through democratic protests, demonstrations or legal action against NHIDCL and the contractor.