SHILLONG: PWD (Roads) Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar’s commitment and assurance in the State Legislative Assembly during the Assembly session in September that roads in the city will be repaired after the Monsoon, seems to have been false promises and empty talks as roads in most parts of the city have turned worse without any prospect of immediate repairs.
Ironically, without repairing the city roads, which is the need of the hour, the work of putting tiles on footpaths is going on in full swing in the city, whereas vehicles of all kinds and sizes have to negotiate many a pothole in almost all parts of the city.
The PWD Minister could not be reached for comments, but when contacted, an official with the PWD (Roads) said that since the contractors are yet to get their pending dues worth several crores of rupees, the repair work of the roads has been delayed.
It is unlikely that the contractors will get any relief prior to Christmas due to financial constraints.
Once the festive season starts, no work will be undertaken as there will be a semblance of work culture in government offices including PWD only by the end of January.
Coupled with the neglect and delay in repairing the dilapidated city roads, the condition of the city drains is also a cause of concern as these are blocked with garbage which is exposed only when it rains.
The PWD (Roads) Minister, in the past, had said that there is a need to have co-ordination with other departments to ensure that the drains are also cleared.
When contacted on Sunday, the Opposition UDP legislator Jemino Mawthoh, while commenting on the condition of roads in the State, said the State government should prioritize road development.
“There are certain roads in the State that has been repaired but the overall scenario is not good. There is a lot to be done. It is funny that the PWD is running after the contractors. As opposition members we do not only want the road to be repaired, but the road has to be black topped to make the road long lasting,” Mawthoh said.
He added that there is shortage of money in the department which may have led to the half-hearted work. “There has to be coordination between the various departments of the government. Poor management will land the State nowhere; moreover the number of vehicles is increasing which has worsened the problem as far as maintenance of road is concerned.”
He cautioned the government to utilize its resources wisely in connection with road repairs.
