By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 19: Cabinet Minister and East Shillong MLA, Ampareen Lyngdoh, has clarified that there is no hurry to inaugurate the re-developed Municipal Market at Laitumkhrah, which is being constructed under the Shillong Smart City project.
Dismissing suggestions of a delay, Lyngdoh said the authorities are satisfied with the progress of the work. “Whatever is to be done should be done correctly. Construction takes time, and time overruns are expected. We don’t consider this a delay,” she said.
The Minister, who reviewed the project on Tuesday, also informed that the second phase of the market would follow soon.
“Where is the hurry? We have waited so many years. I think the structure was first built in 1976, so we can wait a couple more months.
We are happy with the progress, and we will ensure the job is done well,” she said, adding that there has been no public outcry over the time taken to complete the project. The Rs 38-crore commercial complex, whose construction began in August 2020, was originally scheduled for completion in January 2025. Once finished, the market will house 183 stalls and include parking space for up to 100 vehicles, according to the detailed project report.
When asked about the relocation of hawkers, Lyngdoh said there was no clarity yet on who would be accommodated in the new market, but assured that the matter would be handled properly.