‘SHOCKINGLY SUBSTANDARD’

March 26, 2025 5 Views No Comment

WSYF demands immediate repairs of deteriorating 4th Mile- Niuland road

NIULAND, MARCH 26 (MExN): The Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF) has once again called for immediate repair and maintenance of the road from Central Jail to Atu Ghoki in Niuland, citing concerns over the road’s rapid deterioration despite its recent completion.

The road project, titled “Improvement of the road from NH-29 Central Jail to Dzubza River, Atu Ghoki, Niuland,” was awarded to M/S Vipe Enterprise in March 2022. The initial completion deadline was set for April 2023 but was extended multiple times, first to August 18, 2023, and then to November 30, 2023. Despite these extensions, the project remains unfinished, and the quality of the completed road has raised significant concerns, the WSYF said in a press statement on Tuesday.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the road’s condition, the WSYF pointed out that the quality of the road is shockingly substandard, with rapid wear and tear evident just months after completion, making it unsafe for both motorists and pedestrians. It, therefore, questioned whether the construction adhered to the guidelines outlined in the Detailed Project Report (DPR).

Furthermore, according to the contract agreement, M/S Vipe Enterprise is responsible for maintaining the road for three years after its completion. However, WSYF reported that no corrective measures have been taken by the company, despite visible damage. The Youth Front has urged the contractor to begin repairs promptly, as stipulated in the agreement and emphasized that failure to do so would constitute a breach of contract.

WSYF also called for the immediate intervention of the concerned authorities to ensure that the firm and contractors adhere to quality standards and fulfill the maintenance agreement. Failure to abide by the contractual agreements must result in the blacklisting of such firms, it added.

The office of the Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Dimapur had recently issued a directive to M/S Vipe Enterprise, instructing the firm to repair the damages and address defects in the road as soon as possible. However, despite the government’s directive, WSYF claimed that the firm has yet to undertake any corrective measures, which it considers a clear demonstration of gross negligence and disregard for its contractual obligations.

Stating that such blatant neglect cannot be overlooked, the WSYF has urged both the responsible firm and the concerned department to promptly take corrective measures to prevent further deterioration and escalation of the matter.

The Youth Front underscored that infrastructural projects initiated by the government are meant for public development and service, not for enriching individuals at the cost of public safety and well-being.