Editor,
The dust of elections has barely settled and government formation is a done deal but all said and done, it’s the public who is now at the receiving end of load shedding, water woes and the never-ending traffic snarls saga. Who will do something about this sorry state of affairs? Those in authority continue with the blame game and push everything onto the previous government but here we’re seeing the same people in power ,so what is the strategy now?
The dry months have barely started and we’re already facing power cuts at odd hours. There are no specific timings given by the power corporation except a notice that there would be power cuts because of some power grid which stopped supplying to our state because of non-payment of dues. As a citizen I pay my bills on time as am sure all of us do, so who’s not paying their bills on time?
The JJM was one of the many election promises but alas, where is the ‘Jal’ ? Many households still buy water even today for their everyday needs.
The traffic snarls have gone from bad to worse. School buses were purchased using public funds and were not used because parents refused to send their wards in them. So now the buses would remain at the ISBT till they rust and fall apart like the infamous ‘Red buses” (bos saw).
50 years of statehood and we don’t have much to show for it.( I guess we have ourselves to blame for it’s us who have chosen to give the thrones to the powers that be.)
Yours etc.,
Angela Lyngdoh
Shillong-14
PWD and shoddy road repair work
Editor,
We always need to raise our voices against any likely pitfalls. So, I totally agree with what has been brought out through a news item – “Citizen exposes slipshod road repair work in city” (ST, 6th April). There are many cases where the quality of the work is compromised. I think the department concerned should take the blame. Firstly, why does the PWD offer work orders to incompetent bidders whose work records are unsatisfactory?
It has been found that many of the road repair jobs are done without “scratching deeper” and strengthening the base. Overlaying with asphalts “thinly” over the damaged portion is only a quick-fix. It doesn’t last long. Cracks may appear within a couple of days. If there’s continuous heavy rains, then all asphalt binders get weak, and they fall out. So, what is the point of repairing if that does not serve the purpose even for a month? Whether one agrees or not, some of the major road repair works done before the election have already been exposed. Is it not disgraceful? Why do the departments not pull up those responsible?
However, now again, in view of the G20 summit, the department has undertaken major road repair works that otherwise would have been just ignored. Will this quick makeover be sustained? I am doubtful. Even if it lasts for more than six months, weathering the storm of the forthcoming monsoon, the PWD certainly deserves a pat on its back. However, at places, cracks are already visible. The work has been done most inefficiently.
Here is the question : Why does the department put up with shoddy work done by certain insincere contractors? Is it due to some backstreet deals? The public does not wish to see the image of PWD being tarred by a few devious contractors.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong
Sad experience as tourists
Editor,
I am not a writer of any sort but wanted to express my disappointment and agony during my recent stay at The Loft Executive Inn, Shillong. I posted my comments on the hotel’s and restaurant’s Instagram and Facebook pages as well but the hotel management has stealthily deleted them, leave alone apologising for their deeds. Hence I thought of writing to you. I may not have any proof of what I am writing but this is the maximum I can do to make people aware of what’s happening at the hotel.
We were a group of 9 (including 3 kids below 5 years) who stayed at the Loft Executive Inn from 7-10 April ,2023.We booked the rooms with complimentary breakfast , but there were hardly any options to eat, hence we requested for some additional options even if we had to bear the expenses because the kids would not eat what was available at the buffet, but the staff bluntly refused. He even refused to provide water to my son when he asked for the same and the staff asked him to take it himself ( my son is 4 years old) .
My husband was unwell the next day and I asked them to provide some warm muri/ chira so he can eat and the staff again denied despite telling them repeatedly that my husband is unwell. We spoke to the front desk and then only he agreed to provide the food even after paying for it.
I placed an order for rotis for my son and asked to provide butter by the side and the first word he uttered was,’We will charge for it.’ Of course I know you would be charging us for everything we ask for but is this the way to behave with your guests? Are we beggars asking them for butter for free. I have not attended any hotel management classes but I know for sure that this is not the way you are supposed to behave with your guests.
The worst part was when we registered a complaint against him at the hotel’s feedback page. We were having our breakfast and he eavesdropped on our conversation and started arguing with us. He even used the words like’ KYA KAREGA’ , we asked to call the owner and he said ‘ SHAAM KO AAYEGA’
He even raised his voice against us. Post this we could not eat anything and it was time for checkout. Even the front desk staff did not interfere leave alone apologise.
As travellers we explore places and take away some part of their culture along with us. But due to this experience we have brought back a negative perception of Shillong and its natives with us.
I hope my letter finds its true place.
Yours etc.,
Sneha Gupta,
Via email