Foundation stone laid for multi-facility building at Dakopgre
Tura, April 18: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Saturday highlighted development initiatives for Tura town while formally commencing a muti-facility building project at Dakopgre.
In his address, Sangma described the project as a long-cherished aspiration of the people of Dakopgre and expressed happiness at being able to lay the foundation stone not only in his capacity as Chief Minister but also as the MLA of South Tura constituency.
He also outlined several key developmental initiatives in and around Dakopgre, including PA Sangma Integrated Sports Complex, Additional Secretariat, and an upcoming five-star hotel project.
One of the major upcoming initiatives, he said, is beautification of PA Sangma Road from Araimile Junction to Ballongre, which will include street lighting, CCTV installations, landscaping, and creation of green spaces for public use.
Earlier, the Chief Minister unveiled the foundation stone plaque as a prayer for construction was offered by Rev Brinidita R Marak of Dakopgre Baptist Church.
Expressing happiness over the “visible developmental progress” in Tura town, he said, “In the past eight years, I, together with my colleagues and officers, have worked as a team to bring transformative changes in the State.”
On initiatives taken to improve connectivity, the Chief Minister referred to the progress of Baljek Airport.
Upon completion of the ongoing and proposed projects, Dakopgre and Tura town as a whole would witness a major transformation, he said.
He emphasized that these developments would not only enhance the town’s overall infrastructure but also boost tourism and generate livelihood opportunities.
Commending the efforts of Dakopgre Development Committee, he acknowledged their dedication and persistence in bringing the multi-facility building project to fruition.
He informed that Rs 52 lakh has been sanctioned for the project, with funding shared equally between Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF) and Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA).
The Chief Minister further suggested that the facility be utilized as a multi-purpose community hub, accommodating skill development programmes, youth clubs, indoor games, music and activity spaces, as well as coaching and study centres.
“There should be spaces for all these activities so that the youth can benefit meaningfully,” he said, while assuring continued government support for such initiatives. He also stressed the importance of organizing programmes for women, including training in tailoring, handicrafts, and food processing.
Highlighting upcoming events, he informed that Tura will host six disciplines during the National Games in 2027, with the closing ceremony also scheduled to be held in the town.
Describing it as one of the biggest events in the State’s history, he said Dakopgre would play an important and strategic role during the Games.
He also announced that projects for installation of CCTV cameras and street lighting in localities will be taken up shortly.
Urging community participation, the Chief Minister called upon the people of Dakopgre and Tura to work in close collaboration with the Government to ensure the success of the National Games and to contribute towards the broader goals of development, safety, and beautification of the town.
