By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Government is ready to amend the Municipal Act, 1972 to plug its loopholes, said Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh.
The department is open to suggestions and we would not hesitate to amend the existing Act if required, Lyngdoh said while talking to The Shillong Times here on Wednesday.
Replying to a query, she said that the Government is open to the idea to allow the traditional bodies to nominate ward commissioners.
The minister, however, said there were a few headmen who prefer holding election for ward commissioners.
“They have even given me in writing in this regard. But I would like to have a consensus,” she said.
He informed that the Urban Affairs department will hold a two-day conclave to discuss various aspects of urban management within the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) from January 19.
The department is holding this conclave with a specific objective of providing a platform to the traditional heads, NGOs and civil society bodies to have a meaningful debate on the issues pertaining to urban management.
“People want the Government to provide the best possible urban management but at the same time they are opposing the constitution of a body which would be responsible to look after civic amenities,” she said.
“We need to break the ice in order to have a clear understanding
on the urban management in the city. It is impossible for the Government alone to look after the management of civic amenities without people’s participation,” Ms Lyngdoh said.
She said the traditional institutions, NGOs and civil society bodies could come up with suggestions during the conclave.
With the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme (GSWSS) Phase III nearing completion, Ampareen said, “We have to finalise the agency which will look after this important water supply scheme. The assets which have been created would have to be looked after by someone.”