Reiterating its earlier demand, the Western Sümi Youth Front (WSYF) has called for immediate repair of the road from Central Jail to Atu Ghoki (Zubza), Niuland.
Expressing deep dissatisfaction and concern over the rapid deteriorating condition of the road within months of its completion, WSYF vice-president Mughaka Chophy and general secretary Botoho Achumi in a statement said the work for improvement of the road from NH-29 Central Jail to Zubza Atu Ghoki, Niuland was awarded to M/s Vipe Enterprise (vide order dated March 16, 2022).
Citing the terms of the tender and the agreement executed, they pointed out that the road project was to be completed on or before April 2023, which was extended to August 18, 2023 and another extension granted to the firm with strict guidelines to complete the road in all aspects by November 30, 2023.
They accused the company of failing the public by not completing the road project on time, despite being granted multiple extensions. Even after the long delays, they alleged that the quality of work was substandard, with rapid wear and tear evident just months after completion. They claimed that numerous potholes had already formed, making the road unsafe for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Mentioning that negligence and poor workmanship had raised serious concern about the company’s accountability and proper use of public funds, they demanded that the authorities take immediate action to hold M/s Vipe Enterprise accountable and ensure that such failures did not recur.
According to WSYF, the shocking and deplorable road condition also raised serious concerns as to whether the guidelines laid down in the detailed project report (DPR) were even adhered to or followed during construction of the road.
As per the contract agreement, they claimed that the firm had committed to three years of repair/maintenance of the road after its completion, which was supposedly agreed to be completed by November 30, 2023. However, despite the tear and even after the federation office-bearers’ inspection, they mentioned that firm was yet to undertake repair and restoration.
WSYF pointed out that the blatant disregard for quality standards not only wasted public funds but also endangered lives. Despite visible damages in various stretches of the road, they regretted that no corrective measures had been taken so far.
Under the circumstances, they urged the contractor to immediately start carrying out necessary repairs/maintenance as stipulated in the contract agreement, and ensure that the road remained smooth and safe for public. They cautioned that breach of contract was a serious violation and invited strict consequences.
Calling upon the department concerned to actively monitor and strictly enforce contractual obligations of all firms undertaking various developmental activities, the duo demanded immediate intervention of the authorities to ensure that the contractors adhered to quality standards and fulfillment of maintenance agreement. They suggested blacklisting of firms on their failure to abide by the contractual agreements.
The front urged the department and contractor to act without any further delay in taking up corrective measures to prevent further deterioration and escalation of the matter. They pointed out that infrastructure projects initiated by the government were meant for development and in the interest of serving the public, and not fill the pockets of individuals at the cost of public safety and sufferings.
As PWD (R&B) Dimapur division executive engineer (vide letter dated February 21, 2025) had directed the firm to repair the damages and rectify the defects at the earliest, they pointed out that M/s Vipe Enterprise was obligated to address these defects promptly as per the terms of the contract.
However, as the firm was yet to undertake any rectifying measures despite the directive, WSYF said it clearly demonstrated gross negligence and disregard for its contractual obligation.
Stating that such blatant neglect could not be overlooked, and seeking urgent measures to ensure the firm was made accountable, they warned that failure to comply with the directive would result in further course of actions. Hence, they directed the firm to treat the matter with the urgency it required.