Mentioning that state government was committed to improve infrastructure and service delivery, minister of PHED and Cooperation, N Jacob Zhimomi has called for collective effort from all stakeholders, including the media, to support the department in its mission to provide essential services to the people.
He was speaking at the inauguration of new office complex of Superintending Engineer, PHED Dimaupr Circle here on Friday after a dedicatory prayer by Dimapur Lotha Baptist Church (DLBC) senior associate pastor Dr. Yanbemo Lotha.
He said the newly created districts of Chümoukedima and Niuland needed better administrative facilities and said that this office will play a crucial role in catering to the needs of Chümoukedima and Niuland, which consists of many rural villages.
Jacob said the state government was committed to equip its officers with adequate infrastructure to enhance efficiency, and urged the engineers and officials to not confine themselves to office discussions only but to actively visit project sites and ensure effective implementation.
“This office should serve as the headquarters after actions on the ground, not just a place for planning,” he said. Acknowledging the challenges faced by the department, Jacob said that infrastructure such as pipelines and tap connections have been installed across 11 regions of the state. He said that the government was in talk with the central ministry to address water availability concerns, particularly in water-stressed districts and urban areas like Dimapur.
He also addressed concerns about public criticism, stressing the importance of accountability and efficient service delivery. “With internet access, people are well-informed, and we must ensure that this office does not become a subject of criticism but rather a symbol of progress,” he said.
He also acknowledged the efforts of engineers, contractors, and the state finance department, particularly chief minister Neiphiu Rio, for ensuring funding for the project.
Chief Engineer & Head of Department (HoD) of PHED, Er. L. Leyang Khiamniungan, while presenting the technical report on the newly constructed Superintending Engineer Office Complex said that the office complex is a Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) G+2 building with a plinth area of 354.9 square meters. It comprises a total of 30 rooms, with 12 rooms on the ground floor, 12 rooms on the first floor, and six rooms along with one conference hall on the second floor.
He said due to the rapid growth of Dimapur town, the department conducted extensive surveys and studies to meet the increasing demand for public services. As a result, two new divisions, Dimapur Urban and Dimapur Rural, were formed, and for the new office complex was constructed.
He said the project was initiated in 2012 and the technical sanction for the construction was issued on November 6, 2012, by the then Chief Engineer of PHED, Er. Mhondamo Ovung. The contract was awarded in 2013 to M/s Zhakai & Co., a government-registered contractor and supplier, through a formal tendering process.
The original estimated cost of the building was Rs. 216.24 lakh, based on the PWD Building Schedule of Rates 2010. However, due to the construction period extending over a decade and the rise in market prices of materials, an additional Rs. 48.52 lakh was included as per the Schedule of Rates 2016, bringing the final revised project cost to Rs. 264.76 lakh.
The project was completed during the financial year 2023-24, and the building was officially taken over by the department in May 2024. The completion certificate was handed over to M/s Zhakai & Co. on June 15, 2024.
Apart from the main construction, additional works were carried out, including the installation of a deep bore well in the office compound to ensure a consistent water supply, an iron removal pressure filtration system, steel railings in balconies, countertops and kitchen basins, a generator shed, and the procurement of additional office furniture.
These additional works were funded through contributions from the Executive Engineers of the Urban and Rural Divisions. Earlier, the programme was chaired by PHED executive engineer Er. Bendangtola Walling and vote of thanks by PHED mission director Er. Gwatilo Tep.