By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Government has committed itself to set up a one-stop body for taking care of Shillong’s water supply system.
The matter was raised by Independent legislator Manas Chaudhuri during question hour in the Assembly on Friday who wanted to know from the Government whether it was seized of the need to streamline water distribution system in the city.
He recalled that this issue has been hanging fire in the Assembly since 1982 when PR Kyndiah advocated for creation of a single-window system for solving water mal distribution in Shillong. “Thirty years down the line the problem remains where it is,” Chaudhuri rued, adding that all this despite Rs 193 crore being made available by the Centre for the purpose.
In reply, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said, “we need to put in place a single point responsibility in the city water distribution system. We have seen there is a tendency to shift the blame whenever there is a problem.
The Chief Minister believed that this single point responsibility would not only do away with this problem of shifting of responsibilities among the various authorities but would also enhance and improve the water distribution system in the city.
He also wanted to introduce this same policy in other areas especially in Tura where the responsibility of water distribution is being looked by different authorities like district council and others.
“We would put this new system within a reasonable period of time,” the Chief Minister said, refusing to bind himself to any time frame. While appreciating this assurance of the Chief Minister, Chaudhuri said that it is good to see the Government has finally conceded the need for putting up a separate body for looking after the water supply system in the capital.
