By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 5: Ending a nearly 17-year wait, the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme Phase-III is projected to be fully commissioned by March next year.
PHE Minister Marcuise N. Marak made the announcement on Friday, marking a crucial end to a project that has been mired in delays since its sanction in 2008.
Marak said the source, treatment, and main infrastructure components have already been tested and commissioned this year, but full-scale operations depend on the completion of all distribution networks.
Explaining why the scheme remained unfinished for 17 years, Marak pointed to a long chain of disruptions that forced the department to resolve one obstacle at a time. “The delay is due to several hindrances — forest issues, road issues, the Cantonment area had to be crossed and needed permission. We had issues with Hima Mawphlang also. It took us a long time to settle one issue after the other,” he said.
He added that the turnaround was possible only because multiple departments and senior officials intervened actively. “The entire team has taken action right from the Chief Minister to the Chief Secretary, and the Chief Engineers. Everybody worked proactively,” he said.
On the persistent water scarcity in Tura, Marak acknowledged the concerns and highlighted ongoing measures to boost supply. “The CM has taken positive steps and sanctioned a bulk water supply scheme which will cater to parts of Tura town, and also the Greater Tura Water Supply Scheme has come up. This will augment the present system,” he explained.
“Once these projects are completed, we hope Tura will have enough water,” he added.
