WILLIAMNAGAR: Despite allegations leveled against her by her opponents, Congress candidate and sitting legislator Deborah Marak claims that facts on ground zero state otherwise.
In an interview with The Shillong Times at her Warima residence in Williamnagar on Wednesday morning, the last day of campaigning, Deborah Marak dwelled at length on her campaign and the issues concerning Williamnagar constituency.
Excerpts:
ST: Your critics accuse you of doing little or no work for the improvement of Williamnagar and are calling for a change?
Deborah Marak: So many political attacks are being made against me by my rivals but the voters of Williamnagar constituency have seen my work. I have ensured every MLA scheme of mine is implemented in total. My records are open to scrutiny by everyone.
I ensure one crore from the MLA scheme is annually set aside to provide CGI sheets for the poor and the rest are taken up for various other projects. I have ensured construction of as many as 53 community halls across villages in my constituency and within the last year close to 40 crore projects for roads have been sanctioned.
ST: If that is so, then why are voters complaining about bad roads and the need for bridges across rivers. The Chisobibra to Williamnagar narrow approach road is an eyesore for everyone. Why the delay?
Deborah: Sanction was cleared for the expansion of the Chisobibra-Williamnagar road and work has already started. The blame for the absence of bridges in rural roads should be put on the central scheme PMGSY because it involves construction of only a road and not a bridge which is why many villages are affected. We are trying to bring about a solution to this lingering problem.
ST: Opposition candidates have accused you of turning a blind eye to the problems in the health sector. The Williamnagar civil hospital is lacking in specialist doctors and patients have to be taken to Tura for surgery. Why is this so?
Deborah: Yes, it is true there are shortage of specialist doctors. But this is a universal programme. Even Shillong civil hospital has shortage of specialists. We are trying to find ways to come up with a solution.
The opposition says there is no blood bank and sonography in the hospital. They are misleading the public. The blood bank has been constructed and will soon be operational. We are awaiting the return of the doctor who has gone for is training. Even the Sonography machine has been set up and the technician who will operate it is nearing completion of his training.
ST: Why is Williamnagar town, the second largest in Garo Hills, facing an acute water shortage?
Deborah: Yes, we are having a water crisis because the only water source from Chibok stream is no longer sufficient to cater to the rising population of the town and its expansion. That is why I have moved for a Phase II project on water supply which will tap a new water source from nearby South Garo Hills. This proposal, which includes construction of overhead tanks at major localites, has already been sent to the centre.
ST: You were singled out for attacks by your opponents after the death of NCP candidate Jonathone Sangma. Has it had a bearing on your campaign?
Deborah: I am aware of a smear campaign being run against me by some quarters over the death of the NCP candidate. But the people of Williamnagar constituency know the truth.
ST: why do you feel people will elect you when your opponent Marcuise Marak is from the NPP alliance governing the state?
Deborah: The NPP alliance comprises of 6-7 parties cobbled together. This government will not last and shall collapse under its own weight. History has proven that the Congress always returns to power. Congress never stops the opposition from going ahead in forming the government but they can’t complete the term. Ultimately it is left to the Congress to take the reins and provide a stable government.
ST: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma stated in an election rally that the Congress has two candidates in this election. What is your reaction to that?
Deborah: That is opposition strategy to confuse voters. Congress has only one candidate which is myself. I am confident and my report card for the last five years will speak for itself about my work.