By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The inauguration of the convention centre of General Administration Department (GAD) at Bishop Cotton Road in the city will be delayed further following a last moment decision realign the approach road.
The project, which is already running behind the schedule, was given a six-month extension in April this year following the revised estimates.
Talking to The Shillong Times here, GAD Minister AL Hek informed that the ninety percent of the project work has already been completed and the work is going on in a very fast pace to complete the project within the stipulated time.
It may be mentioned that the Meghalaya Government Construction Corporation Limited (MGCCL), has awarded the project to a city-based firm M/S Dhar Brothers Construction Co. Pvt Ltd
“The alignment of the small approach road had to be changed and recently we have got the approval from the revenue department in this regard,” Hek said.
Additional components and the staff quarters of the Hotel Pinewood were also added to the project which further added to the delay and escalation of cost.
According to Hek, even the MeECL has been asked to relocate its electri poles which are coming in between the road.
It may be mentioned that the convention centre is partly funded by the Union Government under ACA (Additional Central Assistance) and partly by the State Government.
The tendered cost of the project at the time of award was Rs15,47,00,000 with an earnest money deposit of Rs30,94,000, but with the delay in the completion of the project, the construction cost has escalated to Rs 23,21,23,000.
Official sources from the GAD also said that the efforts are made to complete the project as per the deadline.
“We hope it will be completed within the extended period,” sources added.
Located in the heart of the city opposite Sri Aurobindo Institute of Indian Culture, the purpose of construction the convention centre is to cater to the requirement of holding a large number of state-level, regional-level and international conferences in Shillong.
The Convention Centre would be equipped to facilitate the holding of such gatherings besides would also promote tourism by facilitating the holding of meeting, interactions, conferences and entertainment programmes at the centre conveniently.