Procurement of pipes, a big problem for JJM implementation: Tongkhar

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 9, 2021

The state is facing huge problem in procurement of pipes for the smooth implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

This was informed by the Minister in-charge PHE department, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar while replying to a query raised by the Congress MLA from Nongpoh, Mayralborn Syiem in the Assembly on Tuesday. 

“It is a fact that we have a big problem in procurement of pipes. (Therefore), the department has taken very serious action on this…(by) allowing contractors to buy pipes on their own,” Tongkhar said. 

According to him, this is because all this while the government has been procuring pipes only from one manufacturing company. 

The minister also hoped that with procurement of pipes from other manufacturing companies, the state will be able to achieve the targeted time to complete the implementation of the mission.

He informed that a total of Rs 1,190.64 crore was sanctioned for implementation of the JMM in the state. 

When Syiem wanted to know the reason for the slow progress of work in some of the districts like EastJaintia Hills, North Garo Hills, South Garo Hills and South West Khasi Hills, the mnister said that the main reason was due to shortage of manpower. 

He added, to address the problem, the state government had already appointed 45 junior engineers under 3F.

Regarding the eligibility of the eight villages in Ri Bhoi district which have been denotified as census towns by the KHADC recently, the minister said that the department will study the matter. 

He also assured that the state government is committed to provide tap connection to each and every household in the rural areas while informing that the percentage of functional households tap connection targetted to finish upto March 2021 is 34.59 percent.

On the demand of Congress legislator from Rangsakona Zenith Sangma for protection of all catchment areas to preserve water sources, the minister said that the point has been noted by the department.