Dept serves show-cause notices on two contractors
Minister for PWD (Roads & Bridges) G Kaito Aye on Friday said he would personally inspect the Foothill Road stretch up to Naginimora after show-cause notices were issued to two contractors- M/s JK Construction and M/s Chabou & Co- over alleged delays and quality concerns.
Addressing media upon his arrival from Delhi at Dimapur airport, Kaito said the contractors have claimed that the Foothill Road was in good condition, but maintained that a final decision would be taken only after a physical inspection.
Acknowledging delays in the project, the minister said that while the road was a priority, engagements during the winter season had caused some delay. “Still, this is an important project. I have directed my department and will personally inspect the entire stretch up to Naginimora to see what is actually happening,” he stated.
Kaito said the inspection would determine whether the delay was due to land issues, local factors or weak execution by the contractors. He added that after inspecting the road and reviewing the contractors’ replies to the show-cause notices, appropriate follow-up action would be taken.
On external interventions such as by hohos and landowners over road alignment, Kaito said that while development was a shared responsibility, the department must be given a free hand to execute projects. “Everybody wants to take responsibility because this is an important developmental project, which I appreciate.
But sometimes this also obstructs the system. Neither the department nor NGOs can function independently in such situations,” the minister said.
He reiterated that the ultimate responsibility rested with the department and noted that the project timeline was now tight.
Commenting on the role of Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee, Kaito said the department was working in coordination with the committee and held no bias against any group.
“We are not against them. Sometimes we overlap, but this project is for the people. This is a people’s government, and cooperation is essential,” he said. The minister informed that he would begin his inspection early Saturday morning.
When asked whether the contractors would be blacklisted if found at fault, Kaito said he could not give a definitive answer at this stage. “I cannot give a blank reply. Let me inspect the site first, and then we will see,” he added.