NONGSTOIN: There seems to be no end to the plight of people commuting along the NH 44 (E) as the condition of the seven kilometre stretch between Nongstoin and Sohpian gets from bad to worse with each passing day.
After much hue and cry from several NGOs of West Khasi Hills District, the PWD (Roads) had released Rs 2.59 crore for the repair work of the road and also floated a tender for the same. However, even after several months, the road lies untouched.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, Chief Engineer PWD (Roads) L Passah said that the tender for the road has been floated twice but none came forward to bag the contract.
Contractors of West Khasi Hills are of the opinion that the amount of Rs 2. 59 crore for reconstruction of the seven kilometre stretch would result in a huge loss for those taking up the work.
The stretch between Nongstoin and Sohpian has been damaged to such an extent that repairing it would be equivalent to reconstructing it, they said adding that unless more money is released the PWD (Roads) would not find any takers for the project.
Meanwhile, people of Nongstoin, who are eagerly waiting for the Synod Sepngi, scheduled to take place in March, are worried that the pathetic road condition might dampen the spirits of the visitors.