MLA and Advisor, K Konngam Konyak inaugurating the Tagore Cultural Complex, located at Tenyiphe-1 in Chümoukedima inaugurated on May 22.
MLA flags leaking ceiling in Rs 10 crore architecture
Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 22
The Tagore Cultural Complex, located at Tenyiphe-1 in Chümoukedima, was inaugurated on May 22 by MLA and Advisor for Art & Culture and Treasuries & Accounts, K Konngam Konyak. The building was constructed at a cost of Rs 10 crore.
Addressing the gathering, Konyak termed the inauguration a special day for Chümoukedima and reminded the public of their responsibility to protect government infrastructure.
“The government has built it but it is ultimately a public asset. We have inaugurated it today but if we don't maintain it tomorrow, it will turn out to be a wasteful endeavour,” Konyak said. Citing the importance of community participation, he said that grassroots leaders from the surrounding villages should have been invited to the programme as well.
While acknowledging the completion of the complex, the MLA flagged water leakages visible on the ceiling of the new structure. He directed the department to address the issue with the contractor.
The ceiling frames were allegedly damaged by trespassers during the extended construction period.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Konyak reiterated the need for repairs. “Everything else is fine. But the ceiling... looking at the stains/marks... it is because of water leakage. If this is not rectified, it will get completely ruined in the long run,” he said.
When questioned on why he was not taking up the matter directly with the contractor and the nodal department, Konyak clarified that the responsibility lies with the technical personnel. He stated that he had instructed the technical team to document the defects and inform the contractor.
According to the Art and Culture Department, the Rs 10-crore project was funded by the Union Ministry of Culture, along with the Nagaland state government. The project was sanctioned during 2017-18, and the work allotted to M/s JS Builders on April 25, 2018.
An official of the department said that completion was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to alleged theft of construction materials and electrical equipments at the site.
The complex is a G+1 RCC structure covering a plinth area of 13,641 square feet. The ground floor houses a hall, a kitchen, a store room, and a rehearsal room, while the first floor consists of an exhibition area, VIP rooms, guest rooms, dormitories, and a seminar hall.
