Shillong, Sep 24: The A·chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM) has described comments by Kharkutta MLA Rupert Momin on the condition of a particular road as factually incorrect and misleading.
In a letter to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, AHAM referenced Momin’s statement to the media last week where he said that the Adokgre to Mangsang road has been completed.
AHAM pointed out to the CM that the road, which is meant to run from Rongjeng to Mangsang and Adokgre, is only partly motorable.
The project was initiated during the leadership of former CM Dr Mukul Sangma in 2017 but had its budget slashed from Rs 210 crore to Rs 123 crore “without adequate consultation or regard for the local population’s aspirations.” As a result, the road remains motorable only up to Ildek Akong, which means that only 20 percent (according to AHAM) has been completed.
“Such public statements (by Momin), without proper verification, have created confusion and frustration among the people, who continue to suffer due to the absence of all-weather road connectivity,” the pressure group said. “The RMA Road was envisioned as a critical lifeline project intended to connect several remote villages, facilitate transportation of agricultural produce, improve access to education and healthcare and boost socio-economic development.”
AHAM also pointed out that the cancellation of a Rs 12 crore RCC bridge project over the Ildek River midway through construction due to financial constraints has further frustrated and inconvenienced members of the public.
