SHILLONG, NOV 25: The Meghalaya government is set to implement Operation and Maintenance Rules for all projects under the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, pending cabinet approval. Minister in-charge PHE, Marcuise N. Marak, confirmed this initiative, highlighting its importance for ensuring the sustainability of ongoing and future projects.
“We are going to have operation and maintenance rules, which will be passed very soon. It is pending cabinet approval, and once approved, I will make sure things move for all projects under the PHE department,” said Marak.
Despite progress, Meghalaya is likely to miss the 2024 deadline for the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) implementation, with the JJM dashboard reporting only 81.36% project completion. Key challenges remain, as work has yet to begin in 11 villages, while 2,431 villages are still under progress.
Responding to the delays, Marak explained, “Most of the projects are completed. Some of the completed projects need to be looked after by the Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSC). We are sensitizing the VWSCs because once the works are completed, if it is Har Ghar Jal, we hand it over to the VWSCs, and they are the ones who have to look after it. However, they are also facing challenges.”
Currently, VWSCs have been formed in 6,443 villages, with 6,50,914 total households. As of now, 5,29,567 households have been connected with tap water.
Looking to address implementation gaps, Marak announced his plans to review PHE projects, including JJM, in the three divisions of Mairang, Nongstoin, and Mawkyrwat during a site inspection on November 28.
“I will be reviewing the PHE department. On November 28, I am going to Mawkyrwat to review three divisions – Mairang, Nongstoin, and Mawkyrwat. I will go for site inspection as well,” Marak informed.
Commenting on the department’s progress, he said, “As per reports, everything is going on well as per specifications and normal workflow. Things are moving at a good pace, but I want to see for myself by visiting the sites. I want to assess how far the progress has reached.”
The proposed rules and ongoing reviews aim to ensure effective implementation and management of water supply projects across the state.