SHILLONG, April 25: State Congress chief, Vincent H Pala on Tuesday said the garbage problem in Jowai has remained unresolved as a sign of revolt by the people against the National People’s Party-led MDA government.
“The trust of the people in the present government is not there anymore. It is more like a revenge of the people against this government,” Pala said.
He said the problem facing Jowai town, which is the hub of business activities of Jaintia Hills, clearly reflects there is a lack of leadership in the government.
The Shillong MP suspected that corruption has led to a situation where the government has not been able to identify a plot for the permanent landfill site. He lambasted it for trying to shift garbage from Jowai to areas such as Sutnga, Amlarem and others.
According to him, it is the duty of the district administration and the government, especially Urban Affairs Minister, Sniawbhalang Dhar and local MLA, Wailadmiki Shylla to find a permanent solution to the garbage problem.
He questioned why the garbage problem is restricted only to Jowai. He said there are technologies available which can convert waste into energy or charcoal.
“But what is required is seriousness on the part of the government to solve this problem,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Dorbar Shnong of Iawmusiang has decided to go ahead with the 36-hour lockdown of the largest market in Jowai town to thwart residents from dumping garbage. The lockdown will be enforced from 6am of Tuesday till 6pm of Wednesday.
Iawmusiang Rangbah Shnong, Ajoy Lywait said he fears there could be an outbreak of diarrhoea and emesis (vomiting) among people due to the foul smell emanating from the piles of garbage dumped at Iawmusiang.
“We expect the Jowai Municipal Board to clear the garbage during the lockdown period,” he added.