Nagaland Contractors’ and Suppliers’ Union Phek district demand probe into Chozuba road project

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Contractors’ and Suppliers’ Union (NCSU) Phek district has demanded the formation of a high-level technical committee to investigate the alleged substandard work on a road upgrade project at Chozuba in Phek district.

In a letter to the Chief Engineer (PWD Road and Bridges), the NCSU Phek district stated that it had received complaints through social media platforms, alleging that the contractor was using substandard materials and techniques for the project.

The project, which involves upgrading the road from Chozuba Town to the PWD Office, via Police Station, Telecom, Veterinary, and Agri offices, and ending at the Yoruba-Ighanumi Junction, was awarded to a contractor identified as Zakieneituo (Zakie) Angami for a total amount of INR 22,42,28,000 (approx. INR 22.42 crore), it said.

Following an inspection on May 17, the union claimed to have found evidence of inferior quality materials and improper techniques being used in the project, which is funded by the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF).

“As circulated in the social media, the allegations of substandard works and using LPG gas burner and herbicide chemicals for covering up the inferior quality work were found to be true (videos and photographs taken for record). Whereas site Engineer was not appointed by the contractor for the work as well which is mandatory for this kind of works,” it said.

Condemning the ‘unprofessional practice’, the NCSU Phek district stated that the clarification issued by the contractor that the work was being carried out according to technical specifications was ‘blatantly untrue.’

It also condemned the contractor’s rejoinder directed at the local MLA and advisor for CAWD and Taxes, Kudecho Khamo, stating that, “raising such an issue of public importance was not only timely but also in line with his (Khamo’s) duty and responsibility towards his electors”.

The NCSU Phek district demanded that the government take the matter seriously and immediately appoint a high-level technical committee to conduct on-spot verification in the presence of the public and the union members. It also demanded suspension of the contractor’s pending bills until the alleged ‘substandard’ work is rectified as per the technical specifications.

Further, it said that the clarification issued by the department “was also not the current work but of the old ones,” while calling for transparency and accountability.

“Failure to adhere to the demand of the Phek District, NCSU, the union will be compelled to take its own course of actions, for which, the department and the concern contractor shall be held solely responsible for any untoward situations that may arise,” it added.

Also read: Chozuba road project: Contractor refutes allegations of substandard work