5 crore Footbridge over Kynshhi River
SHILLONG: PWD Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has claimed that the contractor Nelbi Sangmawho who was supposed to execute the construction of the footbridge over Kynshhi River could not continue the work due to some land dispute.
“The contractor is waiting for the final settlement with the land owners (Nongtnger Nongmalang clan). The Acting Syiem of Hima Langrin had assured that they would give an NOC for the land free of cost on the proposed location but 1 Km downstream from the original location,” Dhar said while tabling a statement to call attention notice moved by HSPDP legislator KP Pangngiang to the news report under the caption “5 crore footbridge over Kynshi River a non-starter” in the Assembly on Wednesday.
He said that the proposed NOC would be for both banks and feasibility of the site for construction of suspension bridge is still being verified.
Informing that this is not the first time that the construction work had stopped, PWD Minister informed that the work had earlier stopped in December 2012 since the land owners demanded a huge compensation from the contractor.
“After this, the land owners agreed to give the land free of cost but demanded royalty on the stones, sand, trees and bamboos to be utilised in the work. Due this reason, the contractor was again compelled to stop the construction works,” Dhar said.
Meanwhile, he informed that the amount that was actually released to the contractor was Rs 5.18 crore and the span of the footbridge was 200 meter and not as reported in the media.
The 500-metre hanging footbridge over Kynshi river in South West Khasi Hills district connecting Nongjri-Nonghyllam and other border villages with Nongmalang War San Lyngdoh areas remains a non-starter.
The inordinate delay has caused hardships to the people of the areas particularly during rainy seasons when many people have lost their lives while attempting to cross the river.
The delay is felt all the more because this item of works was tendered by the Shillong office of the Chief Engineer (Roads) since two years ago.
According to Paskal Nongtnger, the clan agent of Nongtnger and Nassar Marwein, adviser to the Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong of border areas, the land for construction of this important footbridge was donated by the Nongtnger clan two years ago.
Residents have urged the Chief Engineer, PWD (Roads), to initiate immediate action against the erring contractor by cancelling the work order and to allot the work to a capable contractor.