Jowai, May 17: A hanging footbridge built over Umyurem river at Shangpung in West Jaintia Hills district was inaugurated on Saturday, connecting farmlands of the villagers on the other side of the river.
Access to cultivation areas had been a huge challenge for the villagers, particularly during monsoon season when water level of Umyurem river rises.
The Rs 50-lakh hanging footbridge is expected to provide safer and more reliable connectivity for villagers engaged in farming and daily activities.
Inaugurating the bridge, MLA Comingone Ymbon noted that infrastructure projects in rural areas play a key role in improving livelihoods and accessibility for local communities.
Apart from the footbridge, Ymbon also announced developmental initiatives for Shangpung, including blacktopping of internal roads, procurement of garbage collection vehicles, and other amenities amounting to Rs 15 crore.
