SHILLONG: The 500-metre hanging footbridge over Kynshi river in South West Khasi Hills district connecting Nongjri-Nonghyllam and other border villages with Nongmalang War San Lyngdoh areas remains a non-starter.
According to sources, the Rs.5 crore footbridge was allotted to one Nelbi Sangma, a close aid of M.M. Danggo, former speaker of Meghalaya, in October-November last year but till date no tangible works on this bridge has been noticed.
The inordinate delay has caused hardships to the people of the areas particularly during rainy seasons when many people have lost their lives while attempting to cross the river.
The delay is felt all the more because this item of works was tendered by the Shillong office of the Chief Engineer (Roads) since two years ago.
According to Paskal Nongtnger, the clan agent of Nongtnger and Nassar Marwein, adviser to the Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong of border areas, the land for construction of this important footbridge was donated by the Nongtnger clan two years ago.
Residents have urged the Chief Engineer, PWD (Roads), to initiate immediate action against the erring contractor by cancelling the work order and to allot the work to a capable contractor.
Border road
Meanwhile, the people living in border areas with Bangladesh, especially in and around Borsora, Rajaju, Nonghyllam, Nongjri, Cherragaon, Bagli, Moheskola, Kulang and other villages have expressed gratitude to PWD Minister Sngewbhalang Dhar for taking keen interest in overseeing speedy widening and blacktopping of the vital border MBGM road from Lailad-Borsora to Nongjri.
The 15-km road construction was undertaken by Ricky Dhar Company at the fag-end of October last year and about 12 km has been completed, according to Nassar Marwein.
However, the people of the border areas have urged the Minister to ensure that the contractor completes the remaining portion before the onset of monsoon.