The public of Sheanghah villages and Chen area completed major renovation of the 18 km stretch road between Tang Junction and Chen on November 24.
In a press release, Chenwetnyu VC, chairman, P.M. Nockpai and VDB secretary, S/Mokok, Wangpai M. Wangsa stated that the road work which was completed in a span of 35 days was neglected for “the last 19 years”.
They informed that the road was constructed and blacktopped with the additional from the planning commission of India in 2006-2007 and was executed by the Border Raod Organization (BRO).
They said that the road which falls under 44 Phomching A/C, 45 Tehok A/C and 46 Mon A/C and is also connected with Muknyakshu village and Myanmar border had turned into a drainage as the jungle had narrowed it down the road. In several locations, major landslides took place and blocked the road among other problems, the release stated.
The release said that the village councils of eight villages had written several appeal letters to the concerned elected members “to which they turned their deaf ears”.
They said that the general public of Sheanghah villages and Chen area could have resorted to protest or ban movement of government vehicles on the particular road, however, they “chose not to do that” as they were peace loving citizens.
Considering the inconveniences, the chairmen and VDB secretaries of Sheanghah villages and Chen area convened a joint meeting and unanimously resolved to take up the road repair work “as there was no clue from the government to do the needful”.
The release informed that the road work which began on October 11 was executed through voluntary donations from village councils, churches, vehicle owners and well-wishers.
Major renovations included roadside jungle cutting, landslide clearance, cutting ceiling height short turnings, filling up the deep pot-holes and soiling.
The public of Sheanghah villages and Chen area also expressed displeasure over the responsible department from PWD (R&B) Phomching, PWD (R&B) Chen division and their higher ups over “not cooperating during the 35 days road renovation”.
Further, the public appealed to the responsible department “not to neglect this road” in the future as it was the life-line of the people of Sheanghah and Chen villages.