Conrad lays base for water project in NST

SHILLONG, Jan 10: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for Augmentation of Water Supply Schemes for villages around New Shillong Township, Mawdiangdiang, Mawkasian, Mawpdap, Diengiong, Mawlong, Siejiong and Tynring. Besides Conrad, Mawryngkneng MLA Pyniaid Sing Syiem among others were also present on the occasion.
In his address, the chief minister said the state had, before Jal Jeevan Mission, started the process of reactivating the PHE department in 2018. “During that time, the PHE department did not have any specific programmes because the different rural water supply schemes had already been stopped after the 14th Finance Commission changes in the share of central taxes. Hence, we were in a different position when it came to PHE as it did not have source of funding at that time,” he said.
According to him, the Jal Jeevan programme is one of the biggest blessings for the department. “There has been a transformation in the working of the PHE department and this has resulted in the transformation in the lives of the people,” he added.
The CM said that Meghalaya will be the only state to receive the bonus package for the third consecutive year for successfully completing the projects.
He also assured that the project for augmentation of water supply will be completed on time and urged the officials of the department to continuously monitor the project. He also urged the society and community to work together for the preservation and conservation of streams, water bodies and forests. “The Jal Jeevan programme is a holistic programme and the the community has to take an active involvement to make the programme sustainable,” he added.