Nagaland Contractors’ and Suppliers’ Union (NCSU) of Phek district has voiced serious concerns regarding the deteriorating condition of the 2-lane road stretch between Chakhabama and Kikruma, which has been neglected for the past 3 to 4 years.
In a press statement, NCSU unit president Kuzhoseyi Alex Soho and general secretary Medovelo Sono highlighted that this road is a vital route for Phek district and the neighboring Kiphire district, essential for the transportation of commodities.
They noted that the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) had initially awarded the road development work under Package-2 to KCPL company.
However, KCPL failed to execute the construction work adequately and abandoned the project, leaving the road in a poor state. Subsequently, the project was reassigned to another company, Ratna.
Despite this change, the construction work has continued to be delayed and neglected for reasons known only to the company. The union strongly condemned the prolonged negligence, emphasizing that the current state of the road poses significant risks to commuters, creating a fear psychosis among them due to the unsafe conditions.
The contractors union demanded Ratna company to speed up the pace of construction and clear the road for smooth movement of all types of vehicles before the onset of monsoon.
The union warned that failing to do so, the company will be held responsible for the damages caused to the vehicles and loss of human lives if any that may arise due to their negligence in manning the road properly.
The union also appealed the district administration to intervene in the matter and take swift action as a responsible competent authority for the welfare of the people.
It also said that the union would thoroughly check the quality of workmanship as per the specifications.
The union warned that if the company and administration failed to address the issue, it would be compelled to take its own course of action. The company will be solely held responsible for any untoward situation that may occur, the union stated.