Women forced to carry out repairs
SHILLONG: Following media reports about a group of women repairing the PWD road which was lying unattended for several years in West Khasi Hills, local MLA Metbah Lyndoh clarified on Wednesday that the 5 km road was sanctioned last year but the contractor did not start in which he was blacklisted.
Talking to media persons, Metbah said that since 2008 he was trying to get a scheme for the entire 15 km road but the problem was 10 km of the road was under state road while the remaining 5 km falls under PMGSY.
Hence the work could not be taken up under the state scheme.
He, however added that they pursued the matter and a sanction for the project was made last year.
It was awarded to the successful bidder but however, the contractor did not start the work in which he was issued several reminders. Show cause notices were also issued but the he never responded.
According to Lyngdoh, a fresh tender will be called and the work is expected to start immediately.
The 5km road which is in dilapidated condition is expected to cost around Rs 4-5 crore.
Earlier, a group of women under ‘Iamynjurlang’ Village Organisation repaired the PWD road from Jakhong to Umpongdeng in West Khasi Hills as hardships and challenges had forced them to take the initiative to repair the long forgotten kutcha road, which is the lifeline for hamlets in the area.
The village is under Hima Nongkhlaw under Mairang Civil Sub-Division.