Shillong,July 12: The MDA government has cancelled the first phase of smart city road project as it is not feasible.
A fresh proposal using state fund is now being prepared to improve all important city roads instead of constructing smart roads, said the Deputy Chief Minister in-charge urban and municipal affairs.
A road at Lachaumiere area is one among the 17 incomplete smart city road projects in the state.
“The first phase of the smart road project has been cancelled. We already had a meeting in the presence of the deputy chief minister in-charge PWD (Roads) and I because we faced so much difficulty in implementing the project. Therefore, we have cancelled it. Only 3-4% works have been done,” the deputy chief minister told reporters on Friday.
“In view of this, we already decided we will put a fresh estimate from the state plan. We will try to resurface all the city roads. It will be like a smart road from the state plan through the PWD department. So the DPR preparation is on the progress right now,” he said.
According to Dhar, the project was cancelled as it is not feasible and that no land is available.
“The officers will make an incomplete financial bill. Therefore, we have decided to resurface all important roads within the city and a very little amount only was spent on the smart road projects”, he added.
Dhar recently held a review meeting on the progress of all smart city projects.
“Few projects may be inaugurated in the months of August and September. As per report, all projects are in good progress. So hopefully I think it will be very helpful for people, for example, when the Polo market, Laitumkhrah market and others are ready. At present, from smart city and state plan, around 12-13 parking places are under progress. We are monitoring and my officers are on the job to ensure that the projects are completed within stipulated time,” he added.
Unauthorised checking
The deputy chief minister is yet to receive any reports on the impact of unauthorised checks against migrant labourers on under-construction projects.
Dhar said, “As of now, I did not receive any reports. If there is disruption obviously there will be but I request all the NGO friends to work with the government. Obviously, there may be lapses in terms of documents, this and that but we need to address this so that the state progresses forward. Presently, from my side as urban minister and as deputy chief minister I request all NGO friends to let us work together with the government hand in hand so that we can bring the state forward. “
“Local labour is always there and there are some types of work, which labourers cannot do. We request them to let us work together. We always request all contractors or agencies to ensure documents”, he added.
