SHILLONG: A major portion of the much awaited suspension footbridge is nearing its completion and it will provide the much needed assistance to poor villagers living on the other side of Simsang river who come Williamnagar to sell their products. Even now, the only way for the people of this area to reach Williamnagar is to cross the Simsang River and the river allows crossing it by vehicle for only four months in a year and rest of the year the only way to cross the river is by traditional boat called “ring” in local language.
East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vijay Kumar Mantri on Sunday said that only final touches are required for the completion of the project.
It is learnt that the labourers who were working in the project left the work after cables for the project went short and now the work will pick up pace as soon as labourers reach the site.
The bridge was the need of the hour since an under construction bridge is eluding them for past 30 years and it was a challenge for the people to cross the river.
However, after inception of MGNREGS, the VECs across the river took up many useful works to improve communication and 5 VECs came together and decided to construct a suspension footbridge jointly and approached the District Administration.
The Meghalaya Integrated Basin Development Livelihood Programme is contributing 18.5% of the Project Cost under Convergence and the rest of the project cost is being funded by MGNREGS and community contribution
However, the District Administration is not in any hurry to complete the project since Simsang river is quite shallow in few sports since it’s a lean season and people can easily cross the river.
The proposed bridge will be of great help for the inhabitants of other side of Simsang river as it will greatly help vegetable sellers and students who have to come to Williamnagar in a boat.
