PWD ACE entrusted with NHs
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 27 2012:
To work out plans or oversee ongoing road development works, particularly the National Highways that connect Manipur with other parts of the country, the Government of Manipur has empowered Additional Chief Engineer (ACE) of State's Public works Department Khuraijam Temba to exercise similar executive power as the Chief Engineer.
Incidentally M Lokendra is the Chief Engineer of the Works Department.
According to a source in the PWD, the latest move is a slight modification from the model adopted in other States where two posts of Chief Engineers exist with one assigned exclusively for the development/maintenance of National Highways.
Reminding that the State Government had taken over the task of developing Mao to Moreh section of National Highway 2, Wahengbam Leikai to Oriental College section on the NH-37 and Churachandpur to Yaingangpokpi (Ukhrul district) portion of NH-150, the source said the new incumbent will be responsible for development of these stretches.
Confiding that empowering the ACE will ensure expeditious development of the lifelines in this landlocked land, the source said over and above road development task, responsibility of the new incumbent will also include bridges on these routes and road development works with funding from the North Eastern Council.
Conveying that the Deputy secretary (Works) had issued an order to this effect on March 19, the source said focus of the new State Government will be on development and maintenance of National Highways in Manipur section for which the ACE has been assigned the task to produce the desired result.
It is also informed that the new arrangement will also enable the incumbent PWD Chief Engineer to concentrate on other responsibilities of the Department.