NEN resource centre on verge of collapse, public support sought

May 24, 2023 18 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | May 24

The North East Network (NEN), a women’s rights organisation working in the region since its inception 25 years ago has been working towards empowering women around issues of peace, livelihood and reproductive health.

In line with its mission to expand its activities, NEN Nagaland Chapter built a resource centre in Phek’s district, Chizami village in 2005, which has emerged as a hub of positive thinking among youth and women of the area.

However, all NEN activities came to an abrupt halt as their resource centre has been severely damaged owing to the construction of the two-lane highway on NH-29 in Chizami. With no funding or resources to reconstruct the building, NEN has put up a message in the social media seeking support.

Speaking to The Morung Express, State Coordinator NEN, Wekoweu Tsuhah said over the years, the resource centre has hosted a diverse set of activities such as learning about agro-ecology, biodiversity conservation, indigenous seed systems, leadership and production of handcrafted textiles ‘Chizami Weaves’ which came to an abrupt halt.

She said, the land was donated by the community and the construction was also done through the goodwill contributions of some individuals, well wishers and the support of the local village community, women, youth and village council, as the NEN didn’t get any project or external funding or resources to buy land or construct a building. After completion, the resource centre was being utilised as an office space, residential training programmes etc.

However, when construction of the two-lane highway on NH 29 came in 2021, Tsuhah said it has taken a part of their land, because it is located along the highway.

“But in 2021, it all came to an abrupt stop: the construction of a two-lane highway on NH 29 in Chizami severely damaged our building. We have run from pillar to post, appealing to the state government and district offices, along with the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) for compensation for the lateral damage,” it stated.

Initially with the cracks appearing in the building, Tsuhah said it approached the Keystone Infrastructure for repair who has immediately tried coating the cracks but to no good. Subsequently, it has requested for compensation, which was denied stating that compensation for lateral damage is beyond their purview and was told to approach the NHIDCL.

It may be noted that NHIDCL as the main agency has sublet the contract to Keystone Infrastructure for the Chizami road.

“Keystone Infrastructure has done a good work and now we have a good road now. But as an outcome several of our properties were affected that were not covered under Right of Way (RoW),” said Tsuhah.

Consequently, upon filing a complaint letter by the NEN with the Deputy Commissioner’s office verification was also carried out twice for all the other affected properties of individuals too.

“It’s a community institution and not a private property. We are not claiming for ourselves. We have waited for more than a year running from pillar to post,” said Tsuhah.

She also added that the district administration and the Department of Works & Housing have been very supportive through all these processes but ultimately, “it is upon the NHIDCL for compensation.”

When NEN approached the NHIDCL, Tsuhah said they were told that properties damaged outside the purview of RoW are not compensated as per the policy of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway (MoRTH).

As defined the right of way is the total land area acquired for the construction of the roadway. NEN were also told that compensation can be done only after the state government comes out with its policy for these kinds of affected outside RoW.

In its public appeal, NEN stated that it needs support to rebuild the centre in another spot where it can resume its work.

“A fair compensation for the lateral damage will enable us to rebuild our centre and our lives so that we can continue to work for our people. Here is a public appeal to all concerned authorities who can facilitate this. Given that NEN resource centre building is beyond repair, and to save the building materials from the monsoon and complete destruction, we – with a heavy heart – are compelled to start the process of dismantling it, which will cost us dearly,” it stated. North East Network Nagaland M: +91 9436607403, +91 7085037383 E: nagaland@northeastnetwork.org.