Increases concerns over political intervention
Mokokchung, 8 April (mexn): The Nagaland Futhells Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) along with relevant departmental officers, inspected various construction sites of Futahils Road Project in Tully and Peren Divisions on 1 April and 7 April respectively. The NFHRCC said that a press release issued by the media cell, with the aim of assessing the ongoing road construction and the physical progress of bridge projects, said.
In Tuli Division, where construction is being done by M/S3S Infra, NFHRCC found that more than 55% of the overall roadwork was completed. Additionally, Bridge Construction was reported to be completed by M/s Medi Medodi Constructions and Company. The joint inspection team supported the progress and recommended that the department issues the bills that run the expected bills as per the work done so far.
However, inspection of the Bagti Division was initially prescribed for April 5, faced an unexpected barrier. PWD (R&B) Executive Engineer (EE) did not participate in the inspection for Baghty Division, under the instruction of MLA Achumbmo Kikon of 40 Bhandari assembly constituency. The MLA allegedly directed EE not to do it with the NFHRCC team, which cited unlikely reasons. This last minute return sent an official letter of remorse to EE for his absence, stated in a press release.
NFHRCC condemned MLA's functions, describing them as a violation of democratic criteria and a contradiction of ministerial roles in NPWD (R&B). Despite this, the NFHRCC continued with inspection in the rebel division. Inspection found that Bridge construction in Shantchechu (script), Jungju (Hayan), and Sungkhchu (Longjung) rivers, M/SP respectively. However, concerns were raised about Jakvantchu River Bridge under M/S Rain Kik_Ezj & Co, where evidence of substandard material was found on the basis.
Under the three separate work orders in the Baghty Division, upgradation of land cutting projects was also found to be uneven, preventing the committee from making adequate comments on the technical completion of these works at this level. The committee strongly urged the departmental technical team to conduct joint inspections on these sites as soon as possible and leave the bills running for full bridge works.
NFHRCC expressed concern about political intervention, stating that MLA's actions disrupted the department's ability to conduct transparent and effective inspections. The committee called upon the concerned department to clarify the situation and maintain democratic and moral practices in completion of the project.
Despite these failures, NFHRCC appreciated the efforts of various community organizations, including AO Senden, Langpangkong Road Colrication Committee, Kuki Inpi, Zeliang Peopiles Organviors (ZPO), Yanmahon area's public organizations (YAPOs), and Western Lumilia (Wes).
The NFHRCC urged the NPWD (R&B) to respect and follow the signed memorandum signed on March 5, 2025, and to ensure that all the contractors, including so far to sign the MoU, start work immediately in their specified areas.
The committee stressed that to maintain the integrity of the project and complete on time, bills running on the basis of performance assessment should be issued after joint verification without bias or bias.
