TNCL opposes award of developmental projects to outside companies
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, October 13 2024: The Tangkhul Naga Contractor's Long (TNCL), a Tangkhul contractors association has decried State authorities awarding developmental projects to outside companies.

Lamkan Shatsang, joint secretary of TNCL, stated that the organisation has unanimously adopted a resolution to oppose developmental projects in Ukhrul awarded to companies based outside the State.

This after the Ukhrul district contractors held a discussion on the merits and demerits of awarding developmental projects to outside companies on September 28 .

Lamkan Shatsang alleged that the outside companies show no concern and they poorly follow the guidelines and specifications of the projects.

For example, he alleged that the Varaha Infra Ltd under the NHIDCL is unable to complete the construction of the NH-202(A), from Imphal to Ukhrul in a timebound manner.

The construction began in November 2020 and it was supposed to be completed within 18 months.

This construction has dragged on and has not been completed yet, he said.

So far, earthwork and partial blacktop have been done while the firm has not yet completed construction of bridge, drainages and diversions etc.

The incomplete work has caused immense hardship to the people in the region, he added.

Further, the project executed by the Sudhakara Infra Tech Private Ltd under (PHED), Ukhrul, funded by the New Development Bank, for providing tap water connection to every household of the district has become a mockery.

The company has allegedly withdrawn from the project leaving behind a mess, Lamkan Shatsang claimed.

He asserted that the denizens of Ukhrul district have become victims who are suffering because of incomplete projects implemented by outside companies.

"Considering all these facts pertaining to the negligence on the part of the outside companies, TNCL has unanimously decided to oppose and ban all construction works being executed by such companies in Ukhrul district," he said.

The TNCL joint secretary appealed to the competent authority of the State not to award future projects including PMGSY to companies based outside the State "for they lack accountability and responsibility" .

He appealed to the authorities of the State to award future projects to local contractors and urged public, civil society organisations and the Manipur Contractors Forum to support the TNCL's decision.

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