GSWSS Phase-III hit by hurdles: PHE minister

SHILLONG, March 13: PHE Minister, Marcuise N Marak on Monday said the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme (GSWSS) Phase III is being hit by several hurdles.
“I will not be able to indicate the new tentative deadline to complete this project. I have been briefed by my officers that they are facing several problems,” Marak told journalists but did not share the details.
The minister, who held a review meeting with senior officers on Saturday, said he is trying to familiarise himself with the department’s structure and overall functioning.
“I will need some time before I start taking steps to rectify the problems being faced by the department in implementing various schemes and programmes,” he said.
Earlier, the department had set a target of December 2022 for commissioning the GSWSS Phase III. The foundation stone was laid by former President Pratibha Patil at Mawphlang on October 22, 2008.
The Rs 193-crore project was funded by the Centre under Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission, now known as Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation. On its part, the state sanctioned another Rs 65 crore to complete the project that aims to improve water supply in Shillong.
Marak said the department is facing problems in implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in parts of East Jaintia Hills and East Khasi Hills.
“However, the implementation of the JJM in rest of the state is going on very well,” he said.
Earlier, the minister had said his priority would be to ensure that funds allocated by the Centre are properly utilised.
“I can assure you that all the funds will be utilised in a proper manner. This is possible through proper monitoring and inspection,” Marak had told reporters.
According to him, there will not be any scarcity of drinking water in the state for the next 30 years if the central funds are utilised judiciously.