Shillong, Jan 14: The long-delayed Jowai Shopping Market Complex is nearing completion, with the contractor making good progress, said Cabinet Minister and NPP legislator from Jowai, Wailadmiki Shylla on Wednesday.
“We are quite happy with the progress of the market. I congratulate the contractor as he is doing a great job… I think he will be able to complete it before the time of completion,” Shylla told reporters.
The project, initially estimated at Rs 20 crore, was sanctioned Rs 25 crore by the state government.
The complex is expected to be handed over to the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council once completed.
The project was delayed due to changes in the building design without ministry approval.
“We took the initiative to revive this project because it’s the livelihood of the people, not just of Jowai but of the whole of Jaintia Hills. I am happy we were able to convince the state government, and I’m thankful to the chief minister for his generosity. We sanctioned Rs 25 crores for the construction. It’s a District Council market, and once it’s done, we’ll hand it over to them to run,” Shylla said.
“The project was delayed due to changes in the building design. It was supposed to be G+6, but was changed to G+2 without the ministry’s knowledge. The first instalment was released, but when the ministry inspected, they found out about the changes and didn’t release the second instalment, causing the delay,” he added.
Asked if there is any proposal to acquire the land in front of the Jowai market complex for road expansion, Shylla said, “The land in front of the Jowai market complex is District Council property, and it’s up to them to initiate any plans for expansion. As the local MLA, I want to acquire it, but it’s not easy to acquire land without compensating the people.”
“I want to clarify as of now; there is no plan of the government to acquire that land. It is the property of the District Council, so it’s up to them. I want to acquire it, but it’s not easy to acquire land without compensating them. It needs thorough discussion for the expansion,” he added.
