NONGPOH: The legislator of Nongpoh Constituency of Meghalaya, Mayralborn Syiem on Thursday raised serious concern over the inordinate delay in construction of a school building which was funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the project Supporting Human Capital Development at Nongtluh Higher Secondary School, Diwon in Ri Bhoi District.
A spot inspection was also conducted in presence of officers from the PWD (Building), the contractor involved in executing the work as well as representative from the consultant agency responsible for monitoring the progress of the project.
During the inspection, Syiem questioned the officers and contractor as to why the project could not be completed even after being given an additional timeframe for completion of the project; their reply was that it is because of revision of the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) which was approved recently.
“The undue delay in completing of the project has created difficulties and inconvenience for smooth functioning of the school which is a matter of serious concern” Syiem said during the inspection while urging the officials concerned and the contractor to take serious steps for early completion of the project for the benefit of the school children of the area.
Meanwhile, the contractor had assured and expressed his commitment to the local legislator that the construction work would be completed within the month of December this year following which it could be handed over to the school authority.
It may be mentioned through this project, the ADB aims at improving the secondary education in the state and also upgrade the teaching and learning in government-aided secondary and higher secondary schools, improve technical and vocational education and training, and raise awareness about the importance of education.
On the same day, Syiem along with officers of the PWD (Road), Nongpoh Division also inspected the Nongpoh-Umden road which is in a deplorable condition requiring immediate repairing and improvement where the officers concerned has given an assurance to the legislator to take up matter seriously.
Another issue raised during the inspection here is lack of proper drainage system especially at Umden Lailad which one of the problem faced by the people especially during rainy seasons due to flash flood.