The residents of Mawryngkneng village, East Khasi Hills district have expressed their anguish over the stalling of the Pomlahier Greater Water Supply Scheme.
The scheme was implemented in 2023 at a sanctioned amount of around Rs. 48 crore.
“Although the work started in 2023, it is sad to say that this project has been stopped now,” the Sirdar of Mawryngkneng village Peter Lawai told reporters.
According to Lawai, although the treatment plant has been completed, as per the work order the project should be finished by the end of February 2024.
The Sirdar said that fixing of pipes to the water treatment plant has not yet been started by some of the contractors.
The Mawryngkneng village dorbar has requested the state government to complete the work by July end.
“If the PHE officials and the government do not take any immediate initiatives the Mawryngkneng village dorbar has decided to take action if they do not listen to our requests,” he said.
According to him, when the village sought reasons for ceasing work in the project from the Public Health Department, they were informed that some of the contractors were not willing to take it up.
Lawai said that if the contractors were not willing to do their work, then the tender should be cancelled with the present contractor and allot it to others.
He said that water supply in Mawryngkneng village is insufficient hence the need to speed up the project.
“Schools, hospitals, government offices and households need water but the water supplied is insufficient,” he said.
Lawai also said that once completed the project will cater to around close to 4000 households in Mawryngkneng and adjoining areas.