Wokha tourism project in limbo

Promotion of tourism in Nagaland became a keyword of economic vision especially with the state government using the sobriquet ‘Nagaland Land of Festivals’.
In this regard, the Tourist Lodge Resort in Wokha which started on high note is not fully operational as only five newly-constructed log hut rooms are lying unused even eight years after their completion due to an unresolved dispute between the Department of Tourism and the contractors.
Originally awarded to Hill Enterprise Pvt Ltd under a 2017 centrally sponsored scheme (CSS) expansion project, the contract valued at Rs 2.63 crore and aimed at improving tourism infrastructure in the district was later acquired by another contractor.
Nearly eight years later, the rooms are yet to be inaugurated or put to use. The contractor claimed that the construction was complete, but tiles were yet to be completed as initially PVC flooring had been installed but was damaged which now require replacement.
The contractor told this Correspondent, that the final installment was pending and which was expected to cover additional works such as the side wall, approach road, extra works, retaining wall, and other finishing components.
The contractor said the project site had been inspected by the department officials and that no major objections were raised regarding the quality of construction.
However, the delay in releasing the remaining payment had stalled the official handover, causing considerable financial strain, as cost escalations were mounting over time.
As a result, the contractor has withheld the handing over of the project, which resulted in indefinite postponement of the inauguration till full payment was made.
The department anticipated that the final installment would be released latest by next month or the coming months.
However, they said they were unaware of the specific details related to the side wall, retaining wall, and other extra works, as these were managed by site engineer appointed during the time of execution of the construction. With the log huts left unused and gradually deteriorating, the delayed handover continues to impact the intended boost to tourism in Wokha.
Sources from the Department of Tourism also confirmed that the project fell under a CSS and acknowledged that 10% of the payment under the scheme was also pending across several districts in Nagaland.