From Our Correspondent
TURA, Sep 23: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has been asked to look into claims made by local MLA Rupert Momin that the Rongjeng-Mangsang-Adokgre road project has been completed, when in reality it remains unfinished. In this regard, civil society organisation AHAM from A’dokgre in North Garo Hills has sought the early completion of the road, while also urging the CM to look into certain in-transparencies with regard to the project.
According to the organization, the foundation stone for the 54 kilometre road project was laid in 2017 during the tenure of Dr Mukul Sangma as the Chief Minister and sanctioned under the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) and North East Council (NEC) with an initial outlay of Rs. 210 crore, encompassing metal lining to ensure durability.
“Regrettably, the project’s funding was abruptly reduced to Rs. 123 crore without adequate consultation or regard for the local population’s aspirations. As a consequence, the road remains motorable only up to Ildek Akong. It has also come to our notice through various news channels and public statements made by Kharkutta MLA Rupert Momin that the RMA Road Project has been “completed.” This statement is factually incorrect, misleading, and deeply distressing to the people of the affected areas. In reality, less than 20% of the work is completed, and the so-called “completed” portions are in a deplorable state, full of mud, potholes, and unfit for regular use, especially during the rainy season,” it claimed.
According to the RTI query filed by the organization, a total of Rs 12 crore was sanctioned for the construction of the Ildek River RCC Bridge, and the work was partially executed. However, due to financial constraints, the work was abandoned midway, leaving the project incomplete and the citizens deprived of its benefits. This fact stands recorded in official RTI replies, thereby confirming that the project is still pending and not completed in any manner whatsoever, it added.
The organization demanded that a public clarification be issued by the MLA so that citizens know the true status of the project.
They also urged the Chief Minister to direct the concerned department to conduct a ground-level inspection of the entire RMA Road Project and submit an official status report in the public domain, reconsider and restore the original sanctioned budget of Rs. 210 crore to ensure that the RMA Road Project is completed in its intended form, prioritise and sanction the pending 90-meter RCC bridge over the Ildek River, which is the most critical missing link for the project as well as to call upon the local MLA to explain his public statement, direct him to issue a clarification, and ensure that elected representatives speak with factual accuracy when addressing developmental projects.
