Coming out in defence the Roads and Bridges department under him, minister of Roads & Bridges G. Kaito Aye appreciated the concern of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) media cell for “better development, particularly on road conditions in the state” while admitting, that most of the roads in the districts such as the NH-2 landslide near Chiechama and the landslide on NH 39 between Medziphema and Chumukedima “under BRO” are not in proper shape.
Kaito said the landslides were caused mainly due to natural calamities beyond human control and opined that the challenges needed to be understood and jointly shouldered by “every sensible citizen.”
Aye disclosed that he along with R&B departmental technical staff had visited the affected roads during the past few months and that as per the requirements, technical staff along with machineries were pressed into service at several major points so that no one was inconvenienced.
On the NPCC quoting a statement issued by the NPF president Wozuro range(Wokha) on the deplorable road conditions in the area, Aye said neither the department nor public ever brought the matter to his knowledge.
The minister maintained that the R&B department was according priority to roads on the basis of their importance and cannot give equal priority for inter-range or inter-village road connections “at the moment”.
Responding to the statement of works brought out by the Congress (NPCC media cell) on works provision for 2010-11, Aye admitted it was a public document that had gone to different divisions for work executions.
He asserted, that in case of any dissipation of funds against sanctioned works was detected, such cases may be brought to his notice for necessary action.
On the NPCC charge that no contingency fund was made available for natural calamities, Aye clarified that fund was not accorded in the non-plan during 2010-11.
He however asserted that for the current year 2011-12, fund provision in this regard has been earmarked.
On the NPCC focus on pot-holed roads, especially in Dimapur and Kohima, Aye said the department was doing maintenance works in repairing pot holes and would continue with the efforts and that there was no question of either availability or non-availability of fund.
Aye assured that the R&B department, despite the Herculean task caused by natural calamities, would continue to carry out its responsibilities and welcomed “positive criticism” for better development.
On behalf of the R&B G. Kaito Aye urged all responsible leaders “including NPCC” not to mix up issues other than roads and that if needed, the issue could be discussed at different platforms “in the best interest of all.”
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