WILLIAMNAGAR, Sep 4: The sorry state of rural infrastructure in the Garo Hills region has once again come to light after a visit to the village of Mejolgre Checkjrongbra under Rongjeng C&RD Block in East Garo Hills revealed that a crucial bridge across river Chichra has remained incomplete for the past eight years.
The bridge, which was apparently sanctioned during the previous Congress-led regime, is yet to see the light of day allegedly due to the laxity of the contractor and the Public Works Department (PWD).
“We have given multiple reminders to the PWD department regarding the bridge as it has affected us in a severe way. The bridge was a part of the PMGSY road that should have run through the village. Now everything remains incomplete only due to this and another bridge along the same route,” informed Sordar of the village, Dikkin G Momin.
Momin added that their woes were not only ignored by the PWD and the contractor but also Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who they had earlier petitioned for the expedition of the construction work but to no avail.
The construction would have benefitted at least eight more villages and made the economy viable for thousands of families from these villages.
The villages that would have benefited were identified by villagers as Mejolgre Wancho Wancho, Rongchek Akong, Dagal Nokat, Salgitchak, Mejolgre Dogru, Jalwagre, Nengsil and Chibilbang Bolkret Wadro.
“The bridge would have benefitted movement of vehicles into our villages and helped commerce. It would have brought us money for our produce and cut travel time to important places including Williamnagar, Songsak, Krishnai, Goalpara etc if the construction of the bridge was completed. The sanction of the road and bridge had raised hopes within all of us for a better life but the situation for us has not changed,” added another resident, Prem Sangma.
The river, which during the rainy season becomes a raging torrent, is navigable during the winters when the water level recedes. For now, the villagers use a dangerous-looking bamboo suspension bridge which shakes at every step.
“Even children have to use the same bridge to get to school and move to places like Rongjeng, the nearest town. It’s dangerous. Heaven forbid something goes wrong,” added Dikkin.
The main structure of the bridge has been completed and kept abandoned for more than six years as per the villagers.
When contacted the department on the issue, a highly placed source from the PWD department informed that the bridge would be taken up after the rains subside this year.
“There were some complications due to COVID-19 and price escalation of the materials required in question. A solution had not been reached by the contractor and the department due to which there has been a delay in the completion of the bridge. The contractor has promised to get it started after the rains subside and complete it quickly,” the source informed.
For now, all the villagers have to do is wait further.
