The condition of the road towards St
John’s Church at Upper Laban from the junction near Laban Beat House is pathetic as leaking domestic water pipes coupled with overflowing drains deluge the streets causing much difficulty to pedestrians and cars. The road has a damp appearance throughout the year and as such has been dubbed by many as ”the wettest road in Shillong.’
The worst sufferers are the commuters and the passers-by who have to deal with the constant splash of water gushed by passing vehicles.
Nearby residents say that the condition is precarious especially during the morning and evening hours when household water is released into domestic water pipes and subsequent leaking, floods the street beyond expectation.
“This road is mostly used by residents from the area. Due to this condition, we face trouble while going to the market, schools and offices,” said a resident. Churchgoers too expressed concern over the wretched condition of the roadside drain and the dilapidated road which has been in this state for years now. The Church also has a school beside it.
“It is particularly dangerous to take this road during the night time,” said an aged resident.
The area also happens to be the embarkation/disembarkation point of local cabs and the prevailing condition does not make things any better for both drivers and passengers alike.
“We have to be very careful on this road as car’s tyre skids with round the clock water flowing into the road,” said a local cab driver.
However, residents’ complaints to concerned authorities have fallen on deaf ears as no action has been taken so far to correct this place from deluging further. “We would like to appeal our MLA to lay the roadside water pipes inside an aqueduct as seen in other parts of Laban and re-carpet the road,” said these residents who are largely affected by the dampness of the area.
“The condition is dangerous in the evening now with shorter daylight as there are many old people who have hurt themselves while walking,” said an elderly lady from the area. Residents have also opined that no one likes to take this road due to its deluging nature throughout the day.
Meanwhile, a well placed source from PHE Department, Meghalaya said that the area needs to be brought under an aqueduct so that domestic water pipes are protected from cars and humans overrunning them that causes leakages, as seen all over the town. The official also said that one of the causes of water scarcity in the town also happens due to the fact that water is lost due to large-scale leakages since domestic water pipes are laid over ground. (Rajib Roy)