Drainage, sewage woes in Dimapur

A very ambitious plan to construct the entire drainage and sewage system of Dimapur town known as ‘Water & Effluent Treatment’ under the ministry of urban development (MOUD) – Storm Water Drainage Scheme with contract amount of Rs. 20.94 crore was taken up in the year 2006-2007, in which the National Building and Construction Company (NBCC) a central government department was the nodal entity.
According to citizen journalist Omega G. Achumi, in order to materialize this project without any hindrance or problems from the landowners bordering the planned route of the drainage system, the Naga Council even appealed to all the concerned colonies to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the same as it was for the benefit of all the citizens of Dimapur.
However, the setback came when this ambitious project was not implemented in true spirit; many uproars were heard from different angles especially those colonies affected by this very project, in many areas/colonies, stretch/portion in between of the drainage system were left undone.
He said even in Churches Colony, approximately a stretch of 150 meters were left undone in between the drainage crossing/passing through the colony.
And, it was shocking to learn that the ‘Completion Certificate’ had been issued to a company even before the completion of the project and the fund already been withdrawn by the party.
The first phase of this project was to construct the concrete foundation and the side walls of the drains.
The problem became evident when it was learnt that the NBCC had sub let the contract work to a company. The quality of the drainage system made is there for all to witness.
‘’This matter was put up before the concerned authority through the colony council but no action was taken up against the party concerned, reason known best to them’’
Omega said that it was well known fact for the citizens of Dimapur that this project was viewed as one of the foremost important subjects because ‘Storm Water Drainage System’ located in the heart of Dimapur town connects all the minor gutters of many populated colonies such as Forest colony, Supply Colony, Nepali Basti, Middle Point, Metro Hospital, Circular Road, Churches Colony, Khermahal etc covering thousands of households.
He said that without constructing proper outlets at every saturation points, there is no use of constructing/upgrading minor gutters/nallahs at the road side of the town because it will still results in pilings/stagnations of all the waste materials/downpours at the ending point and which in the run will/is causing adverse health hazards and untold sufferings for the citizens of Dimapur.
“There’s an urgent need for constructing proper outlets for the storm water drainages to pass at every important ends on long term solution basis and not on short term solution basis keeping in mind the old saying ‘a stitch in time save nine”, he said.
Omega wondered when would the responsible department(s) take the main active role of a watch dog when ‘Contracts’ were awarded to contractors/parties/firms, and to be vigilant enough to inspect the workmanship/quality of works undertaken before issuing ‘Completion Certificate’ & releasing ‘Funds’, apart from shaking hands under the table through mutual understandings”.