From Pynshngainlang N Syiem
NONGPOH: Though there are questions from several quarters regarding the implementation of MP schemes by the sitting MP Vincent Pala, so far 120 projects worth Rs 53,4,80,000 were implemented in Ri Bhoi district alone from 2011 up to 2018.
Most of these schemes were meant for construction and up-gradation of various educational institutions, community halls and others.
The expectations of the people from the MP are very high and the district still lacks in various developmental infrastructure.
Road connectivity in rural areas is very poor and most the roads are in a dilapidated condition as no repair has been done.
Several projects are incomplete, including the centrally sponsored housing for the poor at Umbuda, a village just few kilometers away from Nongpoh town.
Incomplete projects
Several residents feel that the MP should have intervened to complete the abandoned projects like Nursing Institute at Pahamsyiem village and Trauma Centre which is yet to be opened. Another concern is the unavailability of ambulance at the Civil Hospital Nongpoh.
People are facing problems due to the lack of health facilities and particularly, the Nongpoh Civil Hospital is not able to cater to the needs of local people during sickness and emergencies.
Umsawnongbri PHC for which the foundation stone was laid and fund was sanctioned last year, is also yet to see the light of the day.
Few of the important roads in Ri Bhoi like the Umling-Patharkhmah road, the Umsning-Jagiroad road and Nongpoh-Umden road is in a dilapidated condition which requires immediate attention of the representative.
Water woes
Water scarcity is Nongpoh area is another concern considering the rising population as the existing water supply scheme of Nongpoh is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the public. However, if the new Nongpoh Water Supply Scheme, which has been proposed by the PHE department in 2018 is approved and sanctioned under the 15th Finance Commission, water scarcity in Nongpoh area will come to an end.
Pilosstone Nongrum, an unemployed youth from Narang said that it is high time for the people to change their mindsets to choose a candidate, who is willing to dedicate himself for the welfare of the people of the state rather than choosing a party.
“There are many sports persons from the district, but so far we don’t even have a proper stadium and facilities for various kinds of sports though we have completed 25 years of journey as a full-fledged district. We need an MP who will voice our concerns at the Centre and bring in development for our people” Nongrum said.
Another youth from Nongpoh, Recordingstar Wahlang said it is very important to elect a qualified representative because being an MP is not a joke.
“We have seen various burning issues concerning our state and the tribal people of the North East like the CAB, ILP and other issues, and time is ripe to elect a right candidate for our own welfare”, Wahlang said.
Recurring floods
Flash floods during rainy season is another issue which has badly affected Nongpoh since the completion of the Jorabat-Umiam Four-Lane Expressway as the side drains along the service road is narrow thereby stopping the smooth flow of water.
Nongpoh Town Committee (NTC) General Secretary, Rayonald Kharkamni informed that so far the NTC along with the sitting MP Vincent Pala and local legislators had raised the matter from time to time with the NHAI officials, but till date nothing has been done which is a matter of great concern.
The sitting MP tried his best to solve this issue of flash flood in Nongpoh area.
“We even verbally got a promise from the NHAI officials that the issue will be solved at the earliest and the amount has been sanctioned but sadly nothing has been done and we have not received anything officially in this regard. We will wait and after the Lok Sabha elections, we will be compelled to go to court if the NHAI remains silent on our demands and we have also consulted our legal adviser in this regard”, Kharkamni said.