Shillong, Feb 4: The implementation of New Shillong Water Supply Scheme Project has been found satisfactory and expected to be completed on time.
During his visit to the project site on Wednesday, Public Health Engineering Minister Marcuise N Marak expressed satisfaction over its progress, saying, “I hope it will be able to complete as per the stipulated time.”
He mentioned that there has been 90% progress in procurement of pipes, pumps, machinery, etc., while 30% of the civil work has been completed.
The project faced delays due to land issues, which have been resolved now.
Construction of the dam is expected to start within the next 10 days, with the foundation part almost complete.
Admitting the delay due to land issues, he said the negotiation process took almost the whole year.
Meanwhile, the dam site also had to be shifted to the present site, he said.
Explaining the challenges, Marak mentioned that construction of the road towards dam site was very challenging as it was a steep slope.
However, the road has reached the dam site and construction is in full swing, he said.
The project aims to supply 15 million liters per day (MLD) initially, with a future capacity of 50 MLD.
Once complete, the scheme will cover New Shillong Township and 32 surrounding villages, he said adding the Umkhen river is the primary water source, expected to meet the township’s needs.
Meanwhile, referring a policy dialogue between PHE ministers of states and Union Jal Shakti Minister to discuss implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Marak said the states raised the issue of pending payment of contractor bills.
“The Jal Shakti Minister said he would look into this matter within February,” he added.
