Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Monday announced significant development initiatives for the Mawhati, Umsning, and Nongstoin constituencies, promising a new Community & Rural Development (C&RD) block for Mawhati and improved connectivity for Nongstoin and Umsning.
Addressing the challenges faced by the people of Mawhati, Sangma acknowledged the hardships caused by the long distances residents must travel to access administrative services. He noted that the constituency is among the most backward in the state, with people often required to travel 80 kilometers to reach the Umsning C&RD block. This situation has placed a heavy burden on the mostly poor population, who struggle to afford the travel expenses.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for better infrastructure and accessibility, stating, “People take sometimes three to four hours to access the closest administrative unit of the government. Eighty to ninety kilometres to the closest Block development office—how can we provide service to the people if the infrastructure and the availability are not there?”
Sangma revealed that after hearing the concerns of the Mawhati residents, he decided to establish a new C&RD block in the constituency, which has been a longstanding demand of the people.
This new block will alleviate the difficulties faced by residents who are currently caught between the Umsning and Bhoirymbong blocks, both located at considerable distances from their homes.
In Ri Bhoi District, there are currently four C&RD blocks: Umsning, Jirang, Umling, and Bhoirymbong. The addition of a block in Mawhati will significantly enhance access to government services for the local population.
Sangma also highlighted the potential for development in Umsning, particularly in agriculture, food processing, and connectivity.
“A Constituency like Umsning, has a huge potential in terms of agriculture, food processing Or even in terms of future growth and connectivity,” The CM said.
He noted that Umsning’s strategic location could allow it to benefit from the development activities in Assam, especially as the neighboring state grows in importance.
“ We need to start working and thinking on how Meghalaya, specially the Mawhati and Umsning constituency will be able to take advantage of this entire development aspect that’s taking place In Assam. Dr. Bom has great plans for the Constituency. I want to assure him and assure his people that all the development plans that are mentioned out here that you have mentioned to me that you have discussed with me in detail, I am giving you assurance that we will work together to take your dreams and aspirations forward for the constituency and its people,” Sangma said.
Regarding Nongstoin, the Chief Minister acknowledged the need for further road projects and infrastructure development.
Despite previous efforts, he stressed that much more remains to be done to elevate the constituency, which serves as a district headquarters, to its full potential.
Sangma assured local MLA Gabriel Wahlang that the state government is committed to advancing Nongstoin’s development.
“Today, our team has become stronger. I want to assure Gabriel and his team, we will work together to ensure that we take Nongstoin Constituency to the heights that it deserves from the different road projects that you have mentioned to me. I have already moved the process to ensure that these development issues are taken up,” the CM added.