SHILLONG: After years of delay, the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme (GSWSS) is slowly picking up pace.
Pipelines under Phase III of the project have crossed Laitjem on the outskirts of Shillong and will soon reach 6th Mile in Upper Shillong.
Speaking to reporters here on Friday, Minister in charge of PHE Prestone Tynsong said the water distribution pipes will be laid from 6th Mile. Twelve zonal reservoirs will be constructed at Iew Mawlong, Mawlai, Golflink, Lawsohtun, Mawpat, Malki, Lawsohtun and other areas.
The third phase of the project after its completion would cater to all areas under the Shillong Municipal Board and the Cantonment Board.
According to Tynsong, once the project is complete, the department will provide 90 litres per capita per day per head from the project though there is a guideline from the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation that 135 litres of water should be provided per head per day.
In addition, around 40,000 households in urban areas will also be provided with water metering system under the project and they will pay only for what they consume.
The total cost of the project was around Rs 195 crore.
But the Centre imposed a penalty of 10 percent on the State Government since it did not follow certain reforms as a result of which Rs 18 crore was deducted that is the State has to compensate the amount.
“We have not yet approached the Planning and Finance Department for the fund since the funds which State Government will pay can be utilised at the last moment,” he said.
The Centre recently sanctioned the last installment of Rs 43 crore for the project.
