Shillong, Nov 25: Work on the New Shillong Township (NST) water supply scheme worth ₹500 crore has started even as the state government admitted “difficulties” in accommodating local contractors in the work for the project.
“For New Shillong Township water supply scheme, we have floated the tender for around Rs 500 crore. We have already issued and work already started in physical way also,” said PHE minister Marcuise N Marak.
Reacting to concern expressed by local contractors for not getting work in NST, Marak said it would be difficult to accommodate local contractors as the government has adopted new technologies in implementation of such projects.
“We are very much aware on the works needed by our contractors also but for good governance and for the future of our state, we have to go as per the new technologies and if we are adopting new technologies it will be very difficult to accommodate the local contractors,” he said.
“We are using Skada system for NST wherein internet will be applicable for pipe busting we have sent one officers to find out where the point is but once it is implemented in NST, it will be easy for any official to monitor as it will reflect, we will be able to monitor and locate the problem immediately and we can repair it immediately. That is why we need to adopt this new technology and if we are adopting it is difficult to accommodate local contractors, who are lacking in these kinds of technologies and expertise,” the minister added.
Asked, Marak said the department has put up a proposal for approval of the cabinet to address the problem of distribution of water in the city.
“PHE basically supplies in bulk and SMB is looking after distribution. I cannot say anything about the distribution system. Since so many issues and challenges are coming up so we have discussed with the chief minister and urban affairs minister, we are trying to put up new system whether it is workable or doable that will be a matter which will be taken by the cabinet. As PHE minister I am putting up all these issues before the CM and urban affairs minister lets see. Once it is accepted by the cabinet I will be able to tell you the new system,” he stated.
He informed this has not been proposed so far internet opting to the water supply system in Shillong area is concerned.
“We will try to look at the proposal and we will see if the financial support is there, we will be able to adopt this kind of a system,” he added.
