KHADC to deposit Rs 25 cr to carry out repair work

FROM A REPORTER

SHILLONG, Feb 3: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) CEM PN Syiem on Friday asserted that whether the Public Works Department (PWD), Road issues permission or not for the repairing work on the existing road structures from Nongstoin to Wakaji and Phlangdiloin area, the Council is ready to deposit Rs. 25 crores to the department to carry out the repairing work on the road. The decision of the KHADC Chief came soon after the conclusion of a meeting with a pressure group Khasi Students Union (KSU) central body at his office chamber in the city on Friday. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Syiem said, “When the Central government releases the fund to us we will propose to the state level committee Rs. 25 crores for repairing of the road and if approved and the PWD does not grant permission to us then we are ready to deposit the money into their account.” He informed that earlier the KHADC had sent a letter to the PWD department to issue permission so they can propose Rs. 20 crores to repair the road however in their reply they said the department will not be able to issue permission however they wanted the Council to deposit the money instead.

“If the government gives permission or not the KHADC is ready to deposit the money to the government so that immediate work can be done on the road because as elected representatives it’s wrong to show muscle powers between two parties because in the end the people are the ones who will suffer.” Earlier, KSU president Daniel Khryiem said, “The KHADC Chief has assured us that the construction and repairing work on the road will begin this year and we are delighted that the Council has decided to increase the allotment for the road from Rs. 20 crores to Rs. 25 crores.” The Union leader further said the KSU will welcome the repairing work on the road be it from the state government or the District Council.