RTI exposes details of Chozuba town road project; uncertainty looms over completion

KOHIMA — Amid concerns surrounding the workmanship of the ongoing Chozuba town roads blacktopping work after a video of an LPG burner being used in the project went viral on social media and the subsequent clarification made by the contractor, what continues to remain in the dark is the date of completion.

As per an RTI filed by Vezokho Luruo, a copy of which has been made available to this newspaper, the road upgrade project from “Chozuba to PWD office via Police station, Telecom, Veterinary and Agri Office at lower PWD SDO’s Office to Eastern Christian English School to Yoruba-Ighanumi Junction under CRF (L-9.50 km),” was awarded on June 22, 2016 with execution commencing on July 5, 2016.

Shedding light on various aspects of the project, the RTI reply furnished by the Public Information Officer (PIO) of Public Works Department (PWD) Road and Bridges (R&B) revealed that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)-funded project was initially estimated at INR 21,25,38,919 (approx. INR 21.25 crore).

It said the work was initially awarded to the contractor, M/s Engineering Station Govt. Regd. NPWD Class-1/447, led by proprietor Vibeilietuo Kets, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with five individuals: Veprasa Nyekha, Tsibu Khesoh, Kunungoi Rhakho, Vekrupe Venuh, and Chekhwutso. An additional MoU was established with another Zakieneituo Zhale Class- I registered contractor (NPWD/533).

According to the RTI reply, the work was projected to be completed within 24 months but ‘extension of time’ was granted due to several reasons including “landslide and subsistence, incessant rainfall (monsoon period) COVID-19, General Election, MP Election etc.”.

It was revealed that INR 15,75,02,116 (approx. INR 15.75 crore) has been disbursed following site visit by the department and considering the condition/ state of the contractor besides following necessary procedure and visual inspection done from time to time. However, bill amounting to INR 5,50,36,803 (approx. INR 5.50 crore) is still pending.

The department also maintained that the contractor has appointed a site engineer who holds B. Tech (Civil).

According to the RTI reply, the necessary method of sub-grading were followed while the key materials and methods used included-WBM Gr-I, II, III; Cold Mix (Emulsion RS1); Prime Coat (Emulsion RS1); Tack Coat (Emulsion RS1); Open graded premix surfacing (Emulsion RS1); and Seal Coat (Hot Mix – Bitumen VG30).

On the use of LPG cylinders and burners, reportedly to do away with the sprouting grasses, which prompted Advisor for Civil Administration Works Division (CAWD) and Taxes, Kudecho Khamo, to demand an investigation into the quality of work, as well as raised question if the action was endorsed, the department denied endorsing it.

“No scientific claims to support the use of LPG cylinders/burners as far as the division knowledge (PWD – R&B Phek Division),” the department replied.

It went on to state that the anticipated time for completion of the project couldn’t be given during the time of furnishing the RTI reply as ‘unprecedented events’ could occur and that the contractor has applied for an extension of time (E.O.T), which in process.

According to the detail project report (DPR), the total length of the project is 9.50 km with the rates being adopted as per Nagaland Public Works Department (NPWD)’s schedule of rates (SOR) 2013.

Also read: Khamo seeks probe into Chozuba town roads