Rs 17 crore deducted from GSWSS

A Correspondent

Shillong, March 23: The Centre has deducted Rs 17 crore from the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme (GSWSS) Phase III project under the JNNURM since the government failed to conform to reforms including the conduct of Municipal elections in the state. This was informed in the house today by Deputy Chief Minister in-charge PHE, Prof RC Laloo during the Question Hour.

“We had in fact tried to hold the election. But it could not take place since there was opposition from the people,” Prof Laloo said.

According to Prof Laloo, the government is trying to arrange for funds to meet the shortfall to meet the deducted amount of Rs 17 crore.

Earlier, UDP legislator from Mawlai, Embhahlang Syiemlieh expressed concern that despite several assurances by the government the project was yet to be completed. The Deputy Chief Minister in-charge PHE said that the major reason for delay in the laying of the pipes in areas under Mawlai constituency is due to the demise of the contractors awarded with the work and surrendering of the work by another contractor.

“Another reason for the delay is the avoidance of taking up the work during the election to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in 2013,” Prof Laloo said.

He also informed that time was also consumed in the process of allotment of work to the new contractors (Teiborlang Pathaw and DK Mawlong). No amount has been released to the above contractors till date, Prof Laloo said.