Minister in-charge Public Health Engineering (PHE) Marcuise N Marak on Friday said he would monitor the implementation of funds sanctioned by the central government for providing drinking water to the people of Meghalaya.
Marak has chaired his first meeting with the officials department and said that they have apprised him of the position of the department and that he has decided to immediately review the functioning of the department on Saturday.
The PHE minister said that the state has been getting funds from the Government of India, which is investing to provide drinking water facility in the state while asserting that this needs to be implemented properly so that for the next 30 years the state will not have any problem.
“Therefore, I will monitor aggressively and I will personally inspect the projects wherever the projects are being constructed and I will make sure our Meghalaya state in terms of PHE department whatever money the central government is giving is implemented properly,” he said.
He also assured to look into the issue of water scarcity in the state.
“I will try to find out what is the reason behind the scarcity. Of course, as you are aware most of the catchment areas are drying up may be because of that also the scarcity is there. Otherwise if the department is having problem in bringing water to the people, if that is also there I will check and ensure it is implemented properly.”
He also assured to ensure proper implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission which is to provide functional water taps to every household in the state.
When asked on the allegation of former chief minister Mukul Sangma, Marak said his party has not engaged in any horse trading.
“If some of the newly elected MLAs wanted to join the NPP-led government then our duty is to welcome them. So therefore, where is the horse trading? There is no horse trading at all,” he stated.
Marak also expressed confidence that the MDA government will perform well.
He said that he find that the portfolios given to all ministers was quite fairly distributed.
“Most of the ministers are very experienced – Paul, Ampareen and Mondal are very senior. These are ministers who have already proven their efficiency. Therefore, I hope this cabinet will perform well and I will also try my level best to perform well,” Marak said.