With an effort to keep its commitment of providing good roads to people, the State government has decided to shell out funds from its own resources as funds from Central government could take time.
Informing media persons of this at his official residence here on Sunday evening, planning & coordination and land revenue minister Neiba Kronu said a decision to this effect was taken during a meeting of chief minister Neiphiu Rio and deputy chief minister Y Patton with officials of planning, urban and public works departments on September 29. He said the meeting resolved to send a proposal to the Central government. However, noting that that release of Central funds might take some time and considering the fact that the working season had already begun, the meeting decided to begin work with the State’s own resources.
Kronu said advertisements would be released inviting bids for major roads, adding whoever constructed the road would have to maintain it for two or three years after its completion.
Stating that the road project would be taken up in phases, he said roads in Kohima and Dimapur would be covered in the first phase and would include all roads in colonies, wards and town areas.
Considering the ensuing festive season, the minister said amenities like public toilets would also be built in Kohima and Dimapur.
He admitted that the State government could not reach out to all people in need because of reasons beyond its control.
The minister hoped that with good roads and sufficient electricity generation, other things too would slowly catch up.
Reiterating that the PDA government was trying its best to fulfil its commitment made to the people, Kronu admitted that certain things were getting delayed, but gave assurances that these would all be sorted out and the government will keep its commitment.
Towards this end, he appealed to all the citizens to extend full cooperation to the government so that the projects were not delayed.