NONGPOH, July 23: Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun, accompanied by leaders of the Western Ri-Bhoi Dorbar & Social Welfare Organisation, on Tuesday took up with cabinet ministers, AT Mondal and Prestone Tynsong, various issues faced by residents of the Western Ri-Bhoi region, particularly the irregular power supply and the urgent need for a fully functional Fire & Emergency Services office at Patharkhmah.
Speaking to the media persons in Nongpoh, the Jirang MLA informed that they had a detailed discussion with Power Minister AT Mondal regarding the frequent and prolonged electricity outages in the Patharkhmah area, which continue to severely affect the daily lives of residents.
He pointed out that the region has seen significant growth over the past 15 to 20 years, with a steady increase in the number of households, schools, colleges and government offices. Despite this progress, the area still relies on an 11KV power line, which is inadequate to meet the growing demand.
Sohtun maintained that an upgrade to a higher-capacity power supply system is long overdue to ensure consistent electricity for the region.
A memorandum was also submitted to the power minister during the meeting, to which Mondal reportedly assured them that the department would take necessary action to address the power crisis and work towards a long-term solution for the benefit of the people.
In a separate engagement, the delegation also met with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also holds the Home portfolio, to discuss the need for establishing a full-fledged Fire & Emergency Services office in Patharkhmah.
Citing past incidents, Sohtun and the organisation’s leaders highlighted how several families have suffered property losses due to fire accidents that could not be effectively managed because of the absence of fire tenders in the area. At present, emergency response relies on fire trucks from Nongpoh, which often take hours to reach Patharkhmah.
The team informed that land acquisition for the fire station has already been completed, and in response, Tynsong assured them that the project has been placed on the government’s priority list.
He further stated that the foundation stone for the fire station would be laid soon, and construction would begin shortly thereafter.
Meanwhile, Eniasroy Rani, president of the Western Ri-Bhoi Dorbar & Social Welfare Organisation, expressed gratitude and satisfaction over the fruitful meetings, and acknowledged the leadership of the MLA. He also welcomed the assurances given by both ministers and hoped that the issues are timely resolved.
