Shillong, Mar 29: The state government has launched a project funded by the World Bank to construct suspension bridges to connect several remote villages in the state.
Informing this on Friday, chief minister Conrad K Sangma said, “There are many villages, which are divided by rivers. The government has designed a project funded by World Bank…it would connect villages with suspension bridges,” the chief minister said while inaugurating a suspension bridge at Dombagre under Dalu block in West Garo Hills.
The 80-meter-long bridge over Bandra river connecting Sesengpara Kherapara road to Dombagre village will benefit over 2,000 people.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 2.08 crore, the new bridge was necessitated as the old wooden bridge was washed away in the devastating floods that hit Dalu region in 2022.
“The bridge has reduced walking distance by around 11 km,” the chief minister said.
Meanwhile, terming the suspension bridge only a temporary solution, the chief minister assured the villagers that the government would soon initiate an RCC bridge project to improve communication.
He also informed that the government has been working to ensure holistic development in the state.
During his visit to Dalu, he also met doctors and teachers from different institutions under Dalu block and heard their concerns.
Social organisations and the public at large also submitted their memorandum for improvement of CHCs, PHCs in the area, including a request for installation of mobile towers.
The chief minister also heard the concerns of the public during the programme, which was part of the CM-Connect, a flagship initiative of the chief minister to listen, and resolve the concerns of the people.
