Correspondent
KOHIMA, NOV 3 (NPN): Phesama landslide-hit road is expected to reopen by November 20, with around 80% of restoration work completed, the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) said after inspecting the site on Tuesday.
SAYO president Zasitsolie Beio, accompanied by presidents and secretaries of its federating units, said the organisation was satisfied with the progress made by the contractors. Blacktopping and other finishing works were still pending.
Beio, however, appealed to the district administration to consider opening a temporary passage during specified hours to ease the difficulties faced by villagers, commuters and students. He said the approaching college final examinations made temporary access particularly important.
Meanwhile, Phesama Youth Organisation president Ketouneio Zashumo highlighted the deteriorating condition of the alternative road connecting Phesama and Kisama via Rhododendron Resort and Kisama Gate. He said even light vehicles were finding it difficult to navigate the stretch, causing congestion during morning rush hours and delays for students and office-goers.
Zashumo urged the concerned authorities and contractors to repair the alternative route at the earliest, expressing hope that it would be made motorable by the following week.
Contractor Ketousie Khamo acknowledged the difficulties faced by commuters and said soiling and metalling work on the Phesama side was expected to be completed by Monday, after which the emergency road could be opened to students and other commuters.
He clarified that the stretch towards Kisama was being handled by a different contractor and said he could not comment on the progress there. Khamo thanked the people of Phesama for their cooperation and assured that his team would complete its assigned work within the stipulated timeframe.