Nagaland PWD Minister expresses displeasure over re-location of Medical Lodge by Meghalaya Govt

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KOHIMA

The Nagaland (PWD) Housing Department has expressed displeasure over the alleged proposal for swapping of land by the Meghalaya government’s Urban Affairs Department after eight years of the lease agreement, meant for Nagaland Medical Lodge (under construction) opposite NEIGRIHMS in Shillong.

“Nagaland (PWD) Housing Department has all the legal papers basing on which land was bought on lease for 30 years and few item of works already executed,” mentioned a press release by the Nagaland (PWD-HD) on November 28.

“It is a matter of trust and confidence between two governments. We are yet to receive their proposal letter officially” but we have seen on WhatsApp,” it added.

A proposal letter from Meghalaya’s said department on September 30, mentioned a new location offered by its government measuring 2.34 acres that is located half kilometre away from the previous sanctioned plot of land.

‘The Foundation Stone Laying’ programme was scheduled on 11, July 2018 for the commencement of the remaining works, but it could not be held because of some local issues, it added.

Tongpang Ozukum, PWD minister Nagaland, said, “I have also met the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Meghalaya, Hon’ble Home Minister, Minister in charge of Urban Affairs and some other leaders on the same issue.”

“In the second meeting with Hamletson Dohling, the then Minister, Urban Affairs Department on 14th November 2019, unexpectedly, they proposed to swap the land citing some local issues,” Ozukum added.

“Therefore, we still hope and believe that the Meghalaya Government will honour the lease agreement signed in 2013 and will allow the Government of Nagaland to go ahead with the pending works without further delay.” Ozukum added.

(Edited by Gabriel G Momin)