Editor,
Your newspaper had recently published a report on the difficult situation related to the functioning of Saipung block in East Jaintia Hills District, which is very far from all services of the State.
As a community resource expert who has worked and associated myself for more than ten years in those villages, there have been community developmental projects in that area under the IFAD funded LIPH project and later under few interventions with NABARD as well.
However, it is the lack of proper road connectivity from Saipung towards far flung villages like Saibual, Mulhoi, Tuituk, Thuruk, Mulian and many more habitations where a mix of Pnar and Biate communities coexist. Incessant rains make traveling very cumbersome and power supply is not constant. Some say it is because of the lack of a power supply upgrade in the sub-stations that are spread in various parts that are difficult to repair or overhaul.
No one knows how successful has the JJM scheme been implemented effectively in that area is a major concern. It is sad that Ma Oliver Chyrmang the architect whose objective was to bring the administration closer to the rural community of Saipung Block has not been able to realise his vision to see prosperity and development in those far flung places. We look forward to the Chief Minister paying due attention to this area of East Jaintia Hills.
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong
