Describing NECTAR project under the Department of School Education as a “watershed project” for Nagaland, chief secretary J. Alam on Wednesday urged the contractors to uphold the project’s standards in implementing the construction works.
Alam was speaking at the one-day training and orientation on Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) for the contractors of all the 16 Lighthouse School Complexes (LSCs) that will be set up in sixteen districts of Nagaland.
Alam, who is also the chairman, Project Steering Committee, NECTAR, reminded the contractors that they were selected on merit and the project was to be implemented with transparency.
Asserting that various pioneering initiatives of the World Bank-supported project will serve as a model not only for Nagaland but for the rest of the country, he encouraged the Project Site Engineers to be efficient in supervision and usage of resources.
He further said that rather than falling behind, Nagaland should set positive examples. He therefore, motivated the contractors to ensure that the construction works are completed expediently with high quality.
Avelu Ruho, joint secretary, DSE & Deputy Project Director, NECTAR, introduced the scope of the NECTAR project to the contractors and their team during the welcome address.
She mentioned that the concept of LSCs was envisioned during the tenure of former principal secretary, School Education, Menukhol John, to address the challenges faced by Government schools in Nagaland.
She further stated that the setting up of LSCs was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and encouraged the construction firms to render their best services in the interest of the children’s future.
Razouseyi Vese, director, DoSE & Assistant Project Director, NECTAR, in the opening note said that the concept of a hub school with students from surrounding villages existed in the past. Such schools functioned with the active support from villagers and produced many technocrats, educators, and eminent personalities.
He impressed upon the gathering that there was a need to revive the past glory of Government schools through the Lighthouse School Complexes. To achieve this goal, he appealed the contractors to not compromise on the quality of works, as it will be for the benefit of the children and our society. He also extended full support to the construction firms and urged them to ensure that the desired works are executed on time.
Experts from the Project Management Unit conducted sessions on “Social Standards and Safeguards” and “Environmental Standards and Safeguards” highlighting the importance of adhering to the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) for minimising the negative impact of the project and maximising benefits for the community and the environment.