Shillong bodies decry bad road conditions, launches campaign

SHILLONG, Dec 4: The Civil Society Women’s Organisation (CSWO) and the People’s Mission recently launched a campaign against bad roads in the state. 

According to the two organisations, proper road constructions in rural areas is neglected entirely by the Public Works Department (PWD).

“This neglect has left the public in despair and many lives too were lost due to crimil negligence of Government servants, who, though drawing their pay to serve everyone equally yet ignore the people especially in the rural areas,” CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing said.

The two organisations pointed out how poor roads in the State have affected the normal lives of not only the rural populace but also those living in the capital Shillong.

According to the CSWO and the People’s Movement in East Jaintia Hills villages falling under the Khliehriat C & RD Block, the road is a trauma for the inhabitants of the villages of Hingaria, Huroi , Lejri, and  Lailong.

Kharshiing said that the CSWO has been informed that the nearest hospital in Jowai, West Jaintia Hills district which is 100 kms takes more than five hours to reach due to poor road conditions.

On visiting some of the roads the CSWO noticed that the roads are left uttended by the department, and literally ignored by officials and representatives.

In East Khasi Hills District, under the Mawkynrew Constituency and Mawkynrew C & RD Block, a PMGSY Road which was given for construction in 2014 is still in an incomplete condition, where even the width is compromised and not as per specifications. 

“The Village of RngiBah is, till date, not accessible by road, but the PMGSY Signboard records shows From Rngibah to Thangbi which is completely misleading. The only road leading near the village too is in a bad condition which was completely ignored by those paid to oversee the road conditions in these areas,: the CSWO president said.

According to Kharshiing, the same is the situation all over the State where reports are coming in of bad roads from Garo Hills region, West Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi, South West Khasi Hills and plain belts of Garo Hills.

“People are left at the mercy of the officials of the PWD, who are meant to take care of the road conditions specifically,” the CSWO president added.

Kharshiing also pointed out that there are pictures of rickety wooden bridges even along NH 62.

“Karukol bridge and Siju road us the only way in Baghmara. People risk through these wooden bridges for years together and this was the only means to ferry essential commodities. In East Jaintia Hills District, Wahluri bridge in Hingaria roads is also waiting disaster according to the villagers,” Kharshiing said.

The CSWO president also said that in Shillong area the method of repair also does not meet the standards of maintence work.