DC Kohima, B Henok Buchem, government officials, representatives from Jotsoma’s Village Council and Youth Organisation and others during inspection of Jotsoma Bypass road, Kohima, for road repair on October 13. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, October 13 (MExN): The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kohima, B Henok Buchem, today inspected the Jotsoma bypass road to assess its condition for repair and restoration.
According to the State DIPR, the inspection was carried out in light of recent landslides at Liezocha and Kezanu, which rendered portions of National Highway-29 “unmotorable, making the Jotsoma By-Pass Road a crucial alternative route.”
During the inspection, DC Buchem announced that the restoration would be executed directly by the concerned department to ensure quality workmanship.
He also expressed confidence in the PWD (R&B) team to deliver a durable and well-constructed road, the DIPR added.
He informed that the repair work is being funded through the Disaster Management Authority and stressed the importance of completing it at the earliest, noting the challenges posed by Kohima’s loose soil conditions and heavy daily traffic of around 400 trucks.
The DC emphasised that all repair work, wherever carried out, should meet the highest standards of quality. He further clarified that fund sanction is for emergency road restoration work damaged during this monsoon season and that there is no provision for land compensation.
The DC was accompanied by Additional SP (Traffic) Kohima Puzoto Khatso, Revenue Officer Kohima Kevingoto Kulnu, NCS, Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) Er Wabang, SDO Sechü-Zubza Imliakum Sanglir, and other officials, along with representatives from the Jotsoma Youth Organisation (JYO) and Jotsoma Village Council (JVC).
He also expressed gratitude to JVC, JYO, NSDMA, Traffic Police, PWD (R&B), and all others for extending their cooperation, remarking that “disaster knows no day” and emphasising the urgency of the repair work.
Meanwhile, ASP Kohima (Traffic) Khatso acknowledged the village’s observation that enforcement of traffic regulations, particularly for heavy vehicles, needs more effort from traffic police, and assured stronger measures that would ease the traffic flows. JVC Chairman Rüdolie Nagi stated that the road belongs to everyone and urged the department to construct a proper and long-lasting road.
JYO President informed that the organisation had already cleared landslide debris and drains in some sections and expressed readiness to continue assisting in the restoration. He also appealed to the government to consider widening the by-pass road in the near future and to enforce traffic regulations, particularly against heavy vehicles violating government-issued traffic advisories.
Both the JVC and JYO reiterated their request that the PWD (R&B) Department to undertake the work directly instead of engaging contractors, ensuring better quality and durability, and assured support in every possible manner.
