NONGPOH, July 7: The PWD (Roads) has come under fire for not taking up the repair work of the dilapidated roads in rural areas of Ri Bhoi.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, working president of the Ri Bhoi Students’ Union, central body, Amberlight Masharing, said that in the last two years, the people have suffered due to the pandemic and the restrictions imposed thereafter by the government to contain the spread of coronavirus.
“But adding more to the woes, our rural roads have been affected for decades, people have to wade and travel through the dilapidated roads which have not been repaired for several years” Masharing said.
The pathetic condition of rural roads add salt to the wounds of villagers who are already burdened due to COVID-19-related curbs as most of them are engaged in farming activities, he said even as he maintained that without proper road connectivity, their produce go to waste.
“Due to the pathetic condition of roads, people who are severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic or those suffering from other disease sometimes die on the way as they are unable to reach the hospital on time,” Masharing lamented.
The Union has demanded of the PWD (Roads) and the Minister in-charge to repair and construct proper roads which will in turn facilitate growth of the people and support their livelihood.
