Correspondent
KOHIMA, NOV 2 (NPN): Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NH-29 Kohima-Jessami Road on Monday conducted a joint physical inspection of Package-II of the highway project, covering the stretch from Chakhabama to Kikruma.
The inspection was carried out in the presence of representatives of Ratna Infrastructure Project Private Limited (RIPPL), including its authorised project signatory, Dr. MSN Murthy, who travelled from Hyderabad and attended by representatives of frontal organisations from Kohima, Phek, Meluri and Kiphire districts, along with leaders from Kikruma and Kezoma villages.
According to JAC media cell convenor, Kuzhovesa Soho, inspection commenced at the RIPPL stone plant quarry site at Chakhabama and culminated at the company’s base camp at Kikruma, where an official meeting was held.
Addressing the meeting, JAC convenor Vivolie Kezo expressed concern over what he described as the lack of commitment on the part of NHIDCL in executing NH-29 Kohima-Jessami road project, particularly Chakhabama-Kikruma stretch. He said repeated extensions granted for completion of the work, instead of tangible progress, had disregarded the concerns and voices of the general public.
Kezo urged NHIDCL to accord the project the seriousness and sincerity it deserved, cautioning that continued delays could lead to untoward incidents.
He stated that RIPPL was awarded the project on January 5, 2024, with January 4, 2026, fixed as the scheduled date of completion. However, he alleged that instead of completing the work within the stipulated timeframe, the company had repeatedly sought extensions.
Expressing dissatisfaction over company’s failure to honour its assurances and commitments over the years, Kezo also questioned the quality of work, alleging that it did not conform to tender specifications. He pointed out that adequate machinery, manpower and raw materials were rarely available at the work sites. He further cited frequent fuel shortages and delays in payment of staff salaries as among the reasons affecting the progress of the project.
Kezo urged Dr. Murthy to address the basic concerns of the people with sincerity and provide a written assurance to establish better understanding and facilitate effective cooperation between the company and the public.
Responding to the concerns, Dr. Murthy assured that RIPPL was committed to delivering quality work for the people of Nagaland. He stated that the practical difficulties and issues concerning the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had been resolved and that substantial work would resume shortly after November 15, 2026.
He also sought the cooperation of the public and assured that the ongoing project would be completed by May 15, 2027, stating that the revised completion timeline was as directed by the ministry.
JAC, while acknowledging and appreciating the assurances given by RIPPL, stated that it would continue to monitor and facilitate the company’s working system while extending its full support and cooperation.
However, the committee cautioned that it would not remain a silent spectator if any shortcomings or inefficiencies were detected, adding that RIPPL would be held solely responsible for any untoward incidents or consequences arising from such lapses.
During the meeting, JAC members also raised several technical aspects of the ongoing construction and questioned the company over what they described as inefficiency and disregard for the aspirations of the people over the years.
JAC stated that the people in the affected areas had already lost patience and confidence in the contractor. However, considering the personal presence of RIPPL’s authorised signatory, Dr. Murthy, and the assurances and commitments made by him, the committee said it had decided to extend cooperation to the company once again, for the time being.
It, however, warned that failure to honour the assurances would compel the JAC to take up the concerns of the people with higher authorities and initiate appropriate action.
The meeting was chaired by JAC co-convenor Mutsikhoyo Yhobu, while co-convenor Dusahe Noho invoked God’s blessings.