The United Achik Youth Federation (UAYF) of Shallang in West Khasi Hills complained to the local MLA of Mawshynrut, Gigur Mrythong over the issue of irregular power supply to the area as well as some villages remaining without electricity for over nine months.
In a statement sent, the NGO said that Shallang was the main commercial hub for close to 300 villages around the area with every single household depending on electricity. However they were experiencing daily power cuts in the area which has affected all 300 villages.
Further they also mentioned that some villages, including Rengdim, Nengdawak, Wakpangram, Khalu (A&B), Khalu (Garo Hills), Rongtok, Rengchi, Rangram, Seningkre and Goreng villages were without electricity for over nine months now.
“Every household in these villages is shrouded in darkness and suffering due to the lack of power. This is all due to the negligence of certain departments,” alleged the president, Ledison G Marak.
He said the matter of no power had been raised by the headmen with the SDO of Riangdoh, MePDCL but the exercise was in vain as the situation has remained the same for these villages
What is even more interesting is the fact that despite the villages being without power for more than nine months, they are still being given hefty bills from the department every month.
“They are being forced to pay the same despite remaining in total darkness. This is unfair and illegal and the concerned department and its officials need to be questioned. We urge the government to sincerely look into the matter and resolve it quickly. The officers of the department also need to rectify the situation for the benefit of all those affected,” stated the general secretary, Zimichyrst G Marak.