Williamnagar, Jan 27: The three decade old construction of a bridge over Simsang River at Williamnagar in Meghalaya’s East Garo Hills is finally set to see the light of the day. The construction of the bridge began in 1984 and has remained incomplete so far.
The issue of the bridge over Simsang River has been a major poll plank for
the last 30 years. On completion, the bridge will connect Williamnagar to
over 55 rural villages on the other side. The absence of a bridge has posed an obstacle for the government to initiative welfare programme. The bridge stands as an ‘eyesore’ for Williamnagar, located about 78 km from Tura.
Williamnagar is the only planned town in the state, named after the first
chief minister Captain Williamson Sangma. Last year, there were several
protests in Williamnagar, after which the construction took momentum. At
present, the construction is in final stage and is likely to be completed
soon.
Social welfare minister Deborah C Marak, who represent Williamnagar is
excited with the ongoing construction. She told The Telegraph, “I am happy to learn that the construction of the bridge is in finally stage and is
likely to be completed soon” adding, “We are hoping that once the bridge is
completed, we can initiate development programme on a war footing”.
East Garo Hills DC Vijay Mantri said, “We have been constantly monitoring the progress of the work and expecting that by February this year, iron staging will be complete. The casting will be done in March – April”. Hewas very positive in saying that the bridge was expected to be completed by the end of this year.
The rural villages on the other side of the river Simsang is economically
backward. It has a population of more than 600 households. Not much
education and health facilities are available in over 55 villages.
Monsoon brings a lot of miseries for the villages, as they fail to sale
their fruits and vegetables in Williamnagar market. Many have lost their
lives in an attempt to cross the river due to drowning from the strong
water currents. Also, hundreds of school children have lost the
opportunity to appear their exams in Williamnagar because they were not
able to cross over during the monsoon.
Government officials, who did not wish to be quoted, said that financial
constraint was the main factor for the slow progress of the construction
work.
It may be noted that the work order amounting to mere 1.43 crore, which wasearmarked for the construction got revised due to delays. The last revised estimate was put at Rs. 6.75 crore.
The first work order for the bridge construction was given out on March 25, 1986. An angry villager, Nelson Marak said, “We have repeatedly approached our legislator to ensure that the bridge is completed. Every time we got only assurance but since last year, we have been seeing the construction. We are hopeful that finally the bridge will be completed”.
An activist Tyson D Shira said, “During election, all candidates’ promise
that once they are elected, they will ensure its completion. However, it
remained as it is. Thanks to Deborah C Marak, the bridge is finally set to
see the light of the day”. (SP News)
