The Public Health Engineering Contractors & Suppliers Association has urged the government not to engage persons, companies or firms from outside the state for the New Shillong Water Supply Scheme, Phase II project.
The association led by its President, Robertson Lamare met with PHE Minister Marcuise N Marak today and stressed that works, which the local contractors are capable to undertake, should not be handed over to those from outside the state.
Lamare acknowledged that till date the state contractors are not yet qualified to do the highly-technical and automisation works in relation to the project. However, he said, with experience and capability the contractors have the capacity to undertake the work in relation to the laying of pipelines, construction of zonal tanks, etc.
Pointing out that the Phase I of the project valued at Rs 538.44 crore has already been allotted to a firm from outside the state, the association said, Meghalaya should be favourably benefited and its economy should not be drained to the other states.
Lamare said the Phase II project that amounts to Rs 1062 crore is yet to undergo the tendering process. He said if works are allotted to local contractors, it will not only support youth financially but also help them to develop the necessary skill sets to become employable in a highly competitive world.
