Tender invited for Iawmusiang Market redevelopment project in Jowai
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 19: After more than a decade of delays, the long-awaited Iawmusiang Market redevelopment project in Jowai is finally set to resume.
The state government has invited tenders for the completion of the remaining work on the market, with an estimated cost of Rs 25.65 crore.
Originally sanctioned by the Ministry of DoNER in 2001, the project had been left incomplete for years, impacting the local economy.
It is pertinent to note that the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) had previously utilised Rs 6.33 crore from the initial installment to complete the ground floor, parking lots and related work. However, the progress stalled and the project remained dormant for decades.
The DoNER Ministry had also approved a total of Rs 20.09 crore, including agency charges, for the project under the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) scheme. However, delays arose due to changes in the project’s design and Detailed Project Report (DPR).
After the National Building Construction Company (NBCC) failed to proceed despite signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU), the project was transferred to the State Public Works Department (PWD) in 2009.
It may be mentioned that Iawmusiang, one of the largest and oldest traditional markets in the Jaintia Hills, has been a vital part of the region since the days of the ancient Jaintia kingdom.
The completion of the project is expected to provide a much-needed fillip to the local economy.
