By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Brushing aside reports of various sports projects being delayed due to the superannuation of Chief Engineer of the State Sports Council, W Kharmalki, Deputy Chief Minister in charge Sports and Youth Affairs Bindo M Lanong on Thursday asserted that the completion of the floodlighting and laying of synthetic athletic track at the JN Stadium would not be deferred at any cost.
“We will not allow any delay in the project and by next week the problem would be resolved,” Lanong told The Shillong Times on Thursday, adding that all necessary action will be taken by the department to ensure timely completion of the two projects.
It may be mentioned that the two projects were at the final stages of implementation when W Kharmalki retired as the Chief Engineer of the State Sports Council on July 31.
Meanwhile, the bidding process for installation of floodlights has already been completed with five private firms showing interest in executing the project.
“We will select the most deserving bidder from among the five,” the Deputy Chief Minister asserted.
Earlier, official sources had said that the government would have completed the allotment of the project on time had it not been for the retirement of Kharmalki.
Kharmalki was granted an extension of service by the Government, but the same came under severe criticism by the NGOs of the State.
The Union Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs had sanctioned Rs 5.5 crore for the synthetic athletic track under a special scheme and the amount earmarked for the project has already been released.