KANGPOKPI, August 29: The Kuki Students’ Organisation, Sadar Hills has strongly lodged its displeasure over the construction of the Imphal-Tamenglong Road from Kangpokpi to Tamei under North East Council programme with an estimate amount of Rs. 78 crore, after a spot inspection today.
KSO Sadar Hills president Thangminlen Kipgen said a team of the KSO-SH had seen disappointing progress of the more than two years of work along the IT Rod from Kangpokpi to Tamei.
He said however, several portions of the road were found to be done as per specifications with the exception of a stretch between Chawangkining village and Thonglang Akutpa village which is still in its previous condition added the student body chief.
He also pointed out that various portions of the thinly black topped road have already started to peel off even before the road construction is completed while adding that improper drainage also accounts for the early damage.
Asserting that since the construction work of the IT Road Kangpokpi to Tamei will not be undertaken again for another decade or so, he said the implementing agencies as well as the State government and all those involved should recognise the plight of the people.
Thangminlen Kipgen alleged that the sluggish pace of the road construction is mainly due to the apathetic attitude of the concern division E.E. and not of the contractor while demanding replacement of the present E.E. with a new one who is more progress oriented to complete the work on the stipulated time.
Kipgen further said the concerned the contractors reiterate that they are most ready to complete the road construction within a given time frame while alleging the State government and the Division EE of delaying the payment of fund which had already been released by the NEC in the month of May.
He also asserted that the importance of I.T. Road vitally urgent to the Thadou-Kuki Christian as 100 years of Christianity is due to be celebrated in December, adding that many national and international missionaries would be invited to attend the function.
“It would be best on the part of the Government to intervene immediately in the matter, or else the public will not remain silent spectators if the road mars the centenary celebration”, warned the KSO Sadar Hills chief.
He also warned of launching various agitations on the part of KSO Sadar Hills if the implementing agencies as well as the concerned authority fail to construct the road according to the guidelines provided of NEC.
