3-4 five-star hotels to come up in next few years: Tynsong
Shillong, April 19: Development projects worth over Rs 100 crore were inaugurated on Saturday at Wahiajer in West Jaintia Hills district, marking the MDA government’s strong push to development initiatives.
Inaugurating the projects, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge PWD (Roads & Buildings) Prestone Tynsong also made a clarion call for dialogue to resolve differences among stakeholders to facilitate the development process.
The key projects inaugurated on Saturday include 21-km UN Road (Pdein Mukhim, Sohphoh Mookabeng & Kdohkule) built at Rs 100 crore, National Games area near Multi Sports Complex, Wahiajer at Rs 89 lakh, development works at Wahiajer village at Rs 2 crore, and Wahiajer Water Supply Scheme under Jal Jeevan Mission.
Tynsong also laid foundation stone for lighting system of 1400 Lux for Athletic track and infield football ground at Multi Sports Complex, Wahiajer at Rs 9 crore and strengthening and resurfacing of roads in Jowai at Rs 21 crore.
In his address, Tynsong commended Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, who represents Narliang constituency, saying, “He is a person who works very hard to serve the people of the constituency, the region, and the state as a whole.”
Emphasising the government’s strong push for development, he said, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, we have served the state for eight years. Since 2018, I can tell you we have seen changes across Meghalaya.”
H recalled how the government overcame challenges of COVID-19 period, saying, “I cannot forget 2018 to 2023. At times, tears came to our eyes. We went through sleepless nights during the Covid pandemic, but by the grace of God, we are here today.”
Highlighting the completed projects during the MDA tenure, Tynsong said, “In the last term, we were able to complete important projects in Shillong. One is the Crowborough Hotel, which had been an eyesore for many years. With its completion, going there now feels like being in Delhi. The second is the Marriott Hotel. Various meetings with VVIPs from Delhi are being held in these two five-star hotels. It is a matter of pride and a great blessing for the state.”
He noted the impact on employment saying, “Many of our youth, who completed their studies and training in the hospitality sector, have returned to serve in these two hotels.”
On future expansion, he announced that the state government has proposed to set up more hotels.
“Several MoUs have been signed, and I believe that within the next few years, another three to four five-star hotels will come up in Shillong and other parts of the state,” he said adding, “Once these projects are completed, thousands of our youth working in different parts of the country will come back to serve in their own state.”
Addressing opposition to projects, Tynsong said, “When you oppose something, it is always better to sit across the table, discuss, and resolve issues. Nobody is perfect… But what is important is to resolve issues,” he said.
Responding to criticism on law and order, he remarked, “There are those who say the MDA-I and MDA-II governments are too weak to handle the law and order situation. But I want to tell you that the CM, Sniawbhalang, and I believe that as leaders we should remain calm. We will keep our doors open for dialogue, and we want the people of the state to understand everything we do.”
Also present during the function were deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, health minister Wailadmiki Shylla, former cabinet minister and Raliang legislator Comingone Ymbon, UDP Mawsynram MLA Olan Sing Suin, Nongpoh MDC Rona Khymdeit, Commissioner & Secretary Dr Vijay Kumar among other dignitaries.
