SHILLONG, May 17: Bound to become a smart city, Shillong is currently reeling under load-shedding coupled with the wonted issue of water scarcity.
Moved by the plight of the citizens, UDP, an important ally of the NPP in MDA coalition government, has decided to draw the government’s focus to the two aspects for a resolution-cum-respite for the aggrieved people.
UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh, who headed a fact-finding committee to study the power sector some years ago, said that one of the most important factors for the present power scenario in the state is the fact that MeECL often falls short of the annual revenue requirement target of the regulatory commission.
Similarly, another fact that MeECL buys power at a higher rate and supplies to the consumers at a low rate leads to questions on how the MeECL achieves the target, he said.
He was quick to add that the people would, however, make a hue and cry if the rates are increased.
Meghalaya has been facing the brunt of load-shedding for almost two months and rain seems to have taken longer to arrive in state.
On the water scarcity in city, Mawthoh lamented that the city is heavily dependent on a lone Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme notwithstanding the growing population.
Mawthoh said that everyone must put their heads together to find a solution to the problem of water scarcity in the city, while flagging expensive rate of water in the city which many cannot afford.
