The chief minister said that the bridge was inaugurated when it was needed the most, especially at the time when the state was looking forward to receiving tourists and guests for the Hornbill Festival, besides the Christmas and welcoming the New Year.
Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday inaugurated the state’s first ever four-lane RCC arch bridge at Sanuorii River, Secretariat Road, Kohima.
Rio, while speaking at the programme extended his gratitude and appreciation towards the departmental officials, contractors, land owners, and to those who were involved in extending their cooperation in executing the work successfully on time with “sincerity and commitment”.
Stating that Sanuorii bridge is one of the most important bridges in the State as it connects the main town to the “nerve centre” of the State’s capital, Kohima, Rio also mentioned that everything should not be solely dependent on the government including keeping the towns and cities clean.
In this context, Rio felt that it is also the responsibility of every individual to maintain, preserve, and protect “our assets, environment and keep our surroundings clean”.
He later said that the bridge was inaugurated when it was needed the most, especially at the time when the state was looking forward to receiving tourists and guests for the upcoming Hornbill Festival, besides the Christmas and welcoming the New Year.
Nagaland principal secretary (Works and Housing) Menukhol John, in his introductory remarks said that the project was sanctioned by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway in December 2015.
He said that the work was allotted to M/s Vilelie Khamo-KC (Joint Venture) during July 2016 with a total cost of Rs 35.81 Crores and so far Rs. 12.35 crores has been released, which is only 30 percent of the total cost and the remaining Rs. 23.46 Crores is yet to be released.
The principal secretary thanked the department officials, administration, police, power department, PHED, Kohima Village Council (KVC), Kohima Village Youth Organization (KVYO), L Khel, Tsieramia Council (Kohima Village), and land owners for their services and contributions.
Dedicatory prayer was offered by Rev. Keviyiekielie Linyii. Nagaland deputy chief minister Y Patton, along with advisors, government officials and well-wishers attended the dedicatory programme.