The Synjuk ki Seng Samla Shnong (SSSS) of South West Khasi Hills has expressed dismay that the roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in the district are not up to the mark.
The SSSS has alleged that the contractors who constructed the roads have used substandard gravel and stones to earn maximum profit.
In this regard the SSSS, the Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP) and Hynñiewtrep Achik National Movement (HANM) met with the Public Works Department’s Executive Engineer (Mawkyrwat Division), M Mawroh, and apprised him of the matter. SSSS Chairman, Wallambok Syiemiong said that the use of subpar materials means that the roads will not last very long at all.
“We are hopeful that the government, via the PWD, will bring development meant for the public and not for the benefit of a few vested interests,” Syiemiong said, adding that samples of the poor quality gravel and stones used in construction were shown to the Executive Engineer as proof.
He also urged members of the public, including traditional heads, to be observant with regards to the construction of roads via the PMGSY and not to remain silent to any substandard construction because this would be a waste of public money.