Advisor for Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, on Friday said that deadline for completion of the Foothill Road project has been extended due to numerous issues that have arisen in the past. Addressing the press conference after the inaugurating seminar on Industries Business and Entrepreneurship via the Foothill Road, Hekani described the Foothill Road project as one of the most challenging projects.
She, however, said that the state government was actively engaged in examining and renegotiating potential solutions that would be most beneficial for the region.
Advisor said it was important for the public to realize that the funding for Foothill Road project was not within the direct control of the state government.
Hekani said that during the recent meeting with the state chief minister Neiphiu Rio, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, infused optimism regarding the project’s financial support.
She said that Foothill Road project was also a topic of discussion during the Nagaland Assembly session. Pointing out that the Foothill Road project was initiated back in 2013, Hekani, however, said due to certain constraints and changes in the policy of the planning commission, the special plan assistance (SPA) associated with it was discontinued leading to the cessation of funding under the SPA programme.
Asked about the disputed area linked to the Foothill Road project and the regions under consideration for oil exploration, Hekani stated that she was currently not responsible for overseeing those areas. However, she said that government was deeply committed to addressing those matters seriously.
Clarifying on the controversy surrounding construction of Unity Mall, advisor said the proposed Unity Mall location was always planned for Chumukedima district, contrary to rumours that it would be in Dimapur.
She said that it was set to be established at the District Industries Centre (DIC) office in Chümoukedima, within the old sugar mill premises, which encompasses approximately 5 to 6 acres of land owned by the directorate of industries
Asked about her experience as one of the only two female MLAs in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Hekani said she anticipated that her role would be primarily policy and development-focused, but found that addressing constituents’ concerns took up a significant portion of her time.
On low participation of people in various schemes offered by various departments, the advisor pointed out two key issues—extensive awareness programme and change of mindset—were necessary for effective implementation.