CPO panel questions NHIDCL
Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) 2 lane committee Kohima-Jessami road has expressed deep anguish over the “total negligence” at Kohima-Jessami road package 2 by NHIDCL and the Ratna company by not initiating works and “silently” sleeping over the disastrous road conditions.
Committee convenor Wepe Mekrisuh and secretary Kesilo Tsido alleged that NHIDCL was not serious enough to tackle the core issue “to why the construction at package 2 has been delayed” despite multiple pressures and requests.
It also expressed dissatisfaction with the central ministry for further extension of the project for Ratna company despite its complete failure and noncompliance to the terms and conditions causing huge obstruction and complications.
In this regard, the committee said NHIDCL should take the full responsibility for not taking action against the Ratna company despite several complaints and recommendations for termination due to its “total negligence” to execute the allotted work.
CPO committee termed as “very unfortunate and painful” that the Ratna company despite many promises and assurances to work diligently and committed to deliver quality road on time had “failed miserably”.
The committee has questioned NHIDCL as to why it was adamant in not releasing the payment dues to Ratna company. It also questioned the NHIDCL for awarding the work orders to irresponsible company causing severe stumbling block for public development.
The CPO committee has warned the NHIDCL and EPC contractors to comply with the maintenance and speed up the work projects without further delay before the monsoon season failing which the public would have no option but to take own course of action.
CSU seeks Gadkari’s intervention
Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) has expressed concern over neglect and delay in the construction of the Kohima-Jessami road (package 2) and sought immediate intervention of the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways (MoRT&H) Nitin Gadkari for timely completion of package 2 with proper machinery and quality workmanship.
In a representation to Gadkari, CSU president Pfhülo Sara and general secretary Kuzoto Swuro stated that despite its numerous representations, ultimatums, and democratic protests, NHIDCL and Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. (M/S RIPPL) have “repeatedly failed” to take roper action toward the timely and quality completion of the road project.
CSU stated that poor quality of work and sluggish progress despite repeated engagements have left the union with no option but to seek the union minister’s immediate intervention.
In the light of the above, CSU has appealed to the union minister to direct the NHIDCL executive director, RO, Kohima, and M/S RIPPL to immediately deploy proper machinery and adequate manpower to fast-track the construction without further excuses or delays.
The union also demanded enforcement of strict monitoring and quality control mechanisms by NHIDCL to ensure adherence to national highway standards and prevent substandard work.
Further, CSU sought strict and exemplary action against NHIDCL and EPC Contractor M/S RIPPL for their continuous failure to deliver on their commitments and ensure that such irresponsibility was not tolerated.
It also demanded taking immediate steps to demonstrate visible progress on the ground, restoring public confidence. CSU urged the union minister to mandate NHIDCL to submit fortnightly progress reports to the Ministry and make them accessible to the public to maintain transparency and accountability.
The union also demanded independent third-party audit to verify NHIDCL’s compliance with quality standards, assess the current status of the project, and identify any discrepancies in workmanship or materials.