SHILLONG: The stalemate over the Iawmusiang supermarket project in Jowai continues even after 17 years.
Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla told reporters on Friday that Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has taken up the matter with the authorities concerned and the second instalment for the project, which was sanctioned by the DoNER ministry in 2001, is likely to be released soon. Shylla said the ministry has assured the chief minister that it would help in making the project a reality. During the recent visit of Sangma to Jowai, he visited the site of the project. The Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council had utilised the first instalment of Rs 6.33 crore released by DoNER to construct the ground floor and parking lots and allied work way back in 2001.
It may be noted that the DoNER Ministry had sanctioned Rs 20.09 crore, including 7 per cent agency charge, for the project.
However, the JHADC handed it over to the PWD in August 2009.
The partly-constructed mass of concrete surrounded by a dense “jungle” is testimony to years of apathy.
Once completed, the multi-storeyed market complex will not only house a number of shops but will also “displace” vendors.
