SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) in Garo Hills region goes door to door to collect money to repair any broken wire, electric post or transformer.
This was revealed by the Achik Indigenous Justice Initiative Forum (AIJIF).
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the AIJIF said with the advent of monsoon in Garo Hills, the disruption in the supply of power is a major contributor to the sufferings of the people.
“The absence of a transformer at New Kathalbari village under Tikrikilla C&RD Block in West Garo Hills after the breakdown of the installed transformer on June 6, has forced the residents to live in darkness for a month now,” the statement said.
According to AIJIF, the village has been in darkness for more than a month and the students are the worst sufferers as they are not able to concentrate in their studies.
“The villagers alleged that when they approached the MeECL office, Phulbari to inquire about the matter, they were told by officials to wait for 2-3 days so that a new transformer can be installed but in vain”, the AIJIF said .
Adding to the ordeal of the residents, the malfunctioned electric transformer at Kadamsali, under Tikrikilla C&RD Block, had to be repaired by the people,who had donated Rs 45,000 for the same, which clearly indicates lack of concern by the MeECL.
Similarly, in Kathalbari, the locals had to collect Rs 250 per household in order to repair the malfunctioning transformer.
The NGO further added that this has become a trend in the entire region where the people have been persuaded and compelled to collect money for the repair of the transformers.
The AIJIF said MeECL is not being held accountable for the misery being inflicted upon the villagers even after the regular payment of all electricity bills.
The AIJIF has urged the concerned authorities to look into the matter and address the issue expeditiously.
