Delay trebles cost of the project: Lanong
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Deputy Chief Minister Bindo M Lanong has said that the prime reason for delay in the project implementation in Meghalaya is due to ‘human failure’.
“I do not subscribe to the hollow arguments that the delay in project implementation is due to an act of nature. I can say from experience that 90 percent of the delay in the implementation of any project is due to human failure,” Lanong said during the Round Table Discussion on Meghalaya Urban Infrastructure organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce here on Wednesday.
Pointing to the Leshka Hydel project, which he said was interminably delayed, Lanong said that it is the failure of the implementing agency and not nature which has stalled the project.
“The Leshka project which has caused much displeasure to many people was supposed to have been completed six years ago. Sadly the project has been commissioned only recently,” the Deputy Chief Minister said, adding that the delay has led to cost and time overrun.
“The total project cost has increased by more than three times its original estimate. It is sad to see so much money being wasted without any accountability and that project cost going up by leaps and bounds,” he said. Stressing on the need to adapt a ‘right approach’ while implementing projects, Lanong said the right approach would reduce any roadblocks in the timely completion of every project.
“Those who implement projects in Meghalaya must understand the topography, environment and above all the character of the people and the cultural nuances,” Lanong observed even while he maintained that getting land is not a major problem.
“We should know that people want development. We only need to know how to negotiate with people and convince them to give land for development,” he said.