TURA, Jan 27: Almost 20 years after it was conceptualised by the late Purno Agitok Sangma, his son and Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma on Monday laid the foundation stone for the Greater Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme at a function held at the Tura district auditorium.
The scheme is a significant step in the government’s mission to provide sufficient drinking water and accessible tap water to each and every household in Meghalaya.
The Rs 400-crore project is estimated to be completed within 24-36 months.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister lauded the efforts of the PHE Minister, the Principal Secretary, officials of the PHE Department and termed it as the ‘red letter day’ for the people of Tura. He said that looking at the problem of water scenario in Tura town the implementation of this project was necessary.
The chief minister sought the support and cooperation of the Nokmas of respective areas, saying that when a reservoir is constructed few areas might be submerged and necessary action should be taken accordingly.
Stating that mere implementation of these schemes would not materialise without the support of the people of the area, Sangma said that catchment areas need to be preserved and urged people living in the catchment areas to protect the water sources and work in collaboration with the officials of related departments.
The CM also announced that there would be no load-shedding this year, adding that the government is trying to stabilise the power and water supply in the state.
He also informed that the foundation stone for the new integrated administrative complex had been laid and the construction work for this project would start very soon in Tura which would provide all facilities to the people of the region.
Highlighting the on-going development of IT Parks in Tura, he said that the project when completed would provide employment opportunities to the youth of the region and added that the long awaited Tura-Umroi flight is under process as are other infrastructure development projects in the district.
Informing that the second phase of Tura beautification and street lighting project would be implemented this year, the CM sought the support of the people of Tura to maintain cleanliness, hospitality, etc.
Addressing the gathering at the function, PHE Minister Marcuise Marak said that the Greater Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme is a landmark initiative in Meghalaya’s journey towards providing sufficient water to each and every household in the state.
Chief Secretary, DP Wahlang extended his warm wishes to the CM on his birthday and said that this project is his gift to the people of the state. He informed that 66 new pipelines would be laid and three reservoirs would be constructed under this project.
During the function, the CM along with other dignitaries unveiled the foundation plaque for the water supply scheme and also distributed the keys of the vehicles to beneficiaries of PRIME Tourism Vehicles.
