Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, AUG 17 (NPN): Yamhon Area Public Organization (YAPO) has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the slow progress of five bridge construction projects along the Doyang Bridge-Merapani-Wokha Junction road, saying only one bridge has been completed despite the expiry of the contractual period and an extended deadline granted to the contractors.
The bridges are part of the 38.6-km stretch under the Executive Engineer, Baghty division.
Of the five bridges, only Jakvantchu Bridge, executed by M/S Ren Kik-EZJ & Co., has been completed. The remaining four—Shantatchu Bridge by M/S N. Chisho Swu & Sons, Jungtchu Bridge by M/S Quinker Enterprises, Sungkhatchu Bridge by M/S P. Mha-tum & Co. and Tsumang Bridge by M/S Pele Khezhie—remain incomplete.
YAPO recalled that on May 29, 2026, three apex organisations—the Lotha Lower Range Public Organization (LLRPO), YAPO and Ralan Area Lotha Hoho (RALH)—had jointly demanded completion of all five bridges by the first week of July.
The organisations said the deadline was fixed following the intervention of Achumbemo Kikon, MLA, who had directed the contractors to expedite the works.
However, during an inspection conducted by Kikon on August 14, only one completed bridge was found, prompting disappointment over the lack of progress on the remaining projects.
Speaking to Nagaland Post, Yamhon Area Public Organization president N. Thungdemo Tungoe said the original contractual period had expired and contractors had subsequently sought extensions, which were granted in good faith. Despite the additional time, he said, there had been no meaningful progress on the incomplete bridges.
Tungoe warned that YAPO, along with local civil society organisations and the affected public, would no longer tolerate further delays and demanded that the remaining bridges be completed at the earliest. Failing which, he cautioned that the organisations and the public would be compelled to take their own course of action.
The incomplete bridges continue to inconvenience commuters and residents travelling along the vital road connecting Doyang Bridge with Merapani-Wokha Junction, a key route serving several villages in the region, Tungoe said.