SENAPATI: The Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), Senapati, has urged authorities to prioritise local contractors for the upcoming road development project along the Mao–Senapati stretch of National Highway-02, citing concerns over quality and accountability.
In a press release issued on Monday, the apex civil society body highlighted the involvement of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) in undertaking the strengthening and development of the old NH-39 (new NH-02). The project spans from Mao Gate (Km 212+328) to Taphou Kuki (Km 264+313), covering a total length of 51.985 kilometres under the EPC mode.
The organisation stressed that, based on past experiences, outside contractors and companies have often compromised on quality while focusing on faster completion of work. It maintained that engaging local contractors would ensure better accountability and adherence to standards.
The NPO also pointed out the difficulties faced by the local public in raising complaints or addressing grievances when executing agencies are based outside the state, making communication and follow-up challenging.
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Further, the organisation issued a strong warning against the acceptance of tenders quoted at below-minus rates, stating that such practices could adversely affect the quality of the project. It asserted that any such bids would not be accepted for execution.
Reiterating its stand, the NPO cautioned that any violation of its position, particularly concerning fair bidding practices, would be taken seriously and rejected outright, emphasising that the move is aimed at safeguarding public interest.