By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 13: Public Health Engineering (PHE) Minister Marcuise N Marak has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions to the state’s rural water supply challenges, including the crisis in Nongjrong where residents continue to face acute shortages despite Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) coverage. “We are taking steps, talking to villagers, educating them and taking their support also,” Marak said, stressing that the department is working closely with communities to address the problem in a lasting way.
The minister explained that most non-functional water connections are linked to projects still under implementation. “Most likely the projects are ongoing, that is why there is no water in the pipes. As of now, 80 percent completion has been achieved,” he stated.
He pointed out that while delays are largely due to unfinished work, other areas are affected by source issues or lack of community ownership. “In some situations, the project is completed but most of the community does not want to take ownership and such situations arise,” Marak noted.
Emphasising the role of local participation, the PHE minister said that completed projects require maintenance by the beneficiary communities themselves. “Whatever projects are sanctioned and completed, it is mandatory that the maintenance part is looked after by the community. If the communities have taken ownership, projects are fine. In some areas, we are working with communities to take ownership,” he added.
Marak further revealed that the department has already mapped more than 700 water sources across the state, several of which have now dried up. “Some places, the sources have also dried and we have already mapped them. It was 700 plus and now we are trying to address the situation, but in the long run, immediate remedies are not possible,” he said.
While acknowledging the current difficulties, the minister maintained that the government remains committed to ensuring that rural households eventually receive reliable and sustainable drinking water supply.
