SHILLONG, July 18: Residents and traders of Laban are set to benefit from improved market infrastructure with the inauguration of a new four-storey municipal market complex at Iewdak.
The facility includes a community hall and office space for the DorbarShnong, providing a modern venue for commercial and community activities.
The RCC+4 municipal market complex, constructed at a cost of Rs 14.27 crore with financial assistance from the North Eastern Council (NEC), was inaugurated on Saturday by Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Sanbor Shullai. He initiated the project that was implemented by the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB).
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Shullai said the market would strengthen commercial activities in the locality while also serving as a centre for community programmes.
He thanked Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and the state government for supporting infrastructure development in his South Shillong constituency.
The minister announced that another public infrastructure project worth Rs 2 crore had been sanctioned for the construction of an additional hall on the terrace of the market complex for the benefit of residents. The work is expected to begin later this month.
Shullai disclosed that another Rs 2 crore had been sanctioned for the renovation of the Lumshatsngi Market, with construction scheduled to commence this month.
Further, he said that an infrastructure development proposal worth Rs 35 crore had been prepared for the Cantonment area, of which Rs 18 crore had already been sanctioned.
Earlier, he inaugurated a combined motorable road and aqueduct project, built at a cost of Rs 1.65 crore.
Also speaking, NEC secretary SK Bhalla said the municipal market complex project was envisioned several years ago.
He said the integrated facility would not only provide better trading opportunities through the municipal market but also create space for social and cultural activities through the community hall, besides accommodating the office of the Dorbar Shnong to strengthen grassroots governance.
SMB Chief Executive Officer PK Boro thanked the minister for initiating the project and acknowledged the efforts of the Board’s officials and the cooperation extended by the Dorbar Shnong, Laban, in completing the project.
Dorbar Shnong Laban secretary Edward Kharwanlang urged shopkeepers to maintain cleanliness and ensure proper upkeep of the market complex so that the facility could serve the public for many years.
