Shillong, Jul 18: Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai on Saturday inaugurated a new municipal market at Ïewdak in Laban, the first township and oldest locality in Shillong.
The RCC+4 market complex, with a dorbar shnong community hall was built with Rs 14.27 crore assistance from the North Eastern Council and implemented by the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB), fulfills a long-pending demand of local vendors.
Shopkeepers welcomed the move. “It is free from foul smell and gives shelter from wind and rain,” one vendor said. Another welcomed the good water supply and appealed to the SMB and dorbar shnong Laban to allow the sale of 5-6 fresh chickens. Several vendors said they are yet to be informed about monthly dues to the municipal board.
Addressing the gathering, Shullai thanked Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for support in strengthening infrastructure. He announced that Rs 2 crore has been sanctioned for an additional public hall on the terrace for the 19-South Shillong constituency, with work starting this month. Work will also begin this month on the Rs 2 crore renovation of Lumshatsngi market.
He added that a Rs 35 crore infrastructure scheme for the cantonment area has been moved, with Rs 18 crore already sanctioned.
Earlier the minister also inaugurated a combined motorable road and aqueduct project built at Rs 1.65 crore.
NEC Secretary S.K. Bhalla said the facility would support livelihoods, provide space for community activities, and strengthen grassroots governance through the dorbar shnong office.
SMB CEO P.K. Boro and Edward Kharwanlang, Dorbar Shnong Laban, also spoke. Kharwanlang urged shopkeepers to maintain cleanliness at the market.
