JOWAI: For over a decade now, the construction of the Kurliya Bridge across river Myntang, meant to connect several villages under the disputed Block I with West Jaintia Hills, the bridge remains incomplete.
When a group of journalists from Jaintia Hills visited the project site recently they learnt from locals that the construction work of the bridge has remained stalled for the last six months for reasons best known to the Public Works Department (PWD). The construction of the bridge was initiated in 2005. The project was Centrally-sponsored under the Inter-State Connectivity Schemes at an estimated cost of Rs 428.65 lakh sanctioned in 2003-04.
In 2005, the construction work was allotted to the RB Associates- by the PWD, North Division, Jowai. The estimated cost included the 800 m approach road on both side of the bridge.
Several NGOs had in the past put pressure on the Government, particularly the PWD (Roads), to expedite the completion of the under construction Kurliya Bridge. However, it has continued to remain incomplete for 10 years now.
Political leaders including the then PWD Minister, HDR Lyngdoh, members of the Meghalaya State Planning Board visited the construction site. But the visits failed to yield the desired result as far as the fate of the bridge was concerned.
The delay in construction of the bridge has badly affected residents of Block-I both socially and economically. The people in the area mostly depend on agriculture for their livelihood and are unable to transport their produces either to the nearby local market at Sahsniang or to any other markets in Jaintia hills as no vehicle can cross the river and reach their villages.
In terms of the health scenario in the area, several patients and pregnant women have died before they could be taken to the nearest PHC at Sahsniang due to the lack of connectivity.
It was also learnt that the locals of the area will hold a meeting at the construction site to discuss the delay in the construction of the bridge. The meeting will be organised by the joint peace committee of both the residents of the Karbi-Anglong and West Jaintia Hills. The meeting is likely to be held on February 16.
