Fund crunch forces govt to replan water scheme

SHILLONG: The state government is left with no other option but to redesign the New Shillong Water Supply Scheme (NSWSS) after the Centre decided to discontinue the Special Plan Assistance provided for projects in special category states.
Talking to media persons here on Friday, PHE Minister Samlin Malngiang said, “We will try to implement the project in phases. We will start allocating funds from the next fiscal year and the department will try to complete the project within four years,” he said.
The Planning Commission had earlier approved a total amount of Rs 321 crore for NSWSS. But now the department is trying to slash the cost to around Rs 100 crore.
(Contd on P-10)
Fund crunch forces..
(Contd from P-1) Malngiang said the government will also try to complete the much delayed Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme Phase III by 2020.
“The earlier deadline was March 2019. But it is impossible since a major component of the project work is yet to be completed,” he added.
The department is trying to resolve the problem of getting NOC for laying down pipes on defence and private land.
“Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has assured that he will personally speak to the Air Officer Commanding of the Eastern Air Command to give the government the NOC for laying of the major pipelines for the project,” Malngiang said.
According to him, the PWD and the Forest Department have agreed to part with their land for the pipeline.