Mizo National Front Outraged at ZPM Government’s Negligence in Critical NH 306/6 Maintenance
The Mizo National Front (MNF) General Secretary, Er K Sawmvela, who is also the former PWD Engineer-in-Chief, criticized the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government over the poor condition of National Highway 306/6 between Kawnpui and Khamrang. Speaking at a press conference on September 24, Sawmvela attributed the highway’s dilapidated state to government negligence.
Sawmvela expressed regret over Chief Minister Lalduhoma’s comments on the road damage, accusing him of making statements without consulting relevant department officers. He pointed out that when Lalduhoma was in the opposition, he promised that all roads would be repaired under the ZPM government. After nine months in power, the current state of roads reflects poorly on those promises, Sawmvela implied.
He further clarified that the Kawnpui-Khamrang road is under an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) mode contract mandated by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRT&H). The contracts, he emphasized, adhere to EPC procedures and standards, asserting that the PWD has not breached any laws. The state PWD, he noted, uses standard MoRT&H documents, without any changes for contractor benefit or profit.
Sawmvela also highlighted the defect liability and maintenance periods stipulated in the EPC contract: 10 years, 5 years, or 3 years, depending on the work. The Central Government has allocated maintenance funds of 5% for 10 years, 2.5% for 5 years, and 1% for 3 years. Since the Kawnpui-Khamrang road involves periodic renewal, its defect liability period is three years, contrary to the five years mentioned by the Chief Minister.
Additionally, Sawmvela stated that the contractor, Sadguru Engineers & Allied Services Pvt. Ltd, was not forcibly terminated but had its maintenance foreclosed with MoRT&H’s approval. Consequently, the contractor’s security deposit of Rs 35.37 lakhs was transferred to the PWD.
These criticisms and clarifications highlight ongoing issues and disputes over road maintenance and government accountability in Mizoram.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/mizoram/story/mizo-national-front-slams-zpm-government-for-negligence-in-maintenance-of-nh-3066-1097645-2024-09-24?utm_source=rssfeed
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