A CORRESPONDENT
SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma inaugurated the Nengmandalgre PHC (Public Health Centre) at Williamnagar in East Garo Hills district on Tuesday.
Constructed under Group-I, the project was sanctioned at a cost of Rs 2,60,66, 181. The work included construction of the main building, including sanitary installations, internal and external water supply, and internal electrification of the building. For Group-II, the sanction was for Rs 3,21,97,098 for construction of two M.O Quarters, two storied and four units of staff quarters and two units and two numbers of Grade-IV Quarters inclusive of sanitary installations, internal and external water supply, and internal electrification of the same
The Chief Minister dedicated the Nengmandalgre PHC to the people of the area stating, "The construction and upgradation of Healthcare facilities in the districts have been the mandate of the MDA Government since its inception. The PHC will cater to the people of several villages across the Simsang River in Williamnagar town and will immensely help the patients in the rural areas to have access to basic medical treatment."
Sangma added, "As announced last year, the Government is committed to improving public Health infrastructure across the State; and the investment of Rs 75 crore to upgrade the PHCs and CHCs (Community Health Centres) will tremendously help our endeavour".
On external and Centre's aid, the Chief Minister said, "The sanction of Rs 500 crores by the 15th Finance Commission and the Rs 350 crore by World Bank will go a long way in uplifting the Health infrastructure across Meghalaya. We dedicate all our efforts to our people."
Tura Lok Sabha MP, Agatha K Sangma informed that the increase of Union Health Budget by Rs 10,000 crore this year will enable the creation of better Healthcare facilities and infrastructure in Garo Hills as well. She praised the Chief Minister for his concerted effort to improve health infrastructure in the State and for his concern for the welfare of the people.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation for the construction of the Nengmandalgre to Daribokre (Mandalgre) road and the construction of the Cherangre to Sisobibra (Nengmandalgre to Gitokgre) road.
The project for the 35-km road connecting Nengmandalgre with Daribokre (Mandalgre) includes the construction of seven bridges with a sanction amount of Rs 70,55,90,100 connecting the 11 areas of Dorengkigre, Patrenggre, Rongchek Chambugong, Dorakgre, Ampanggre (Sandi), Bandigre, and Mandalgre with a population of 1570 (Census 2011). The target for the completion of the project is September 2021.
The construction work of the 7.82-km Cherangre to Sisobibra (Nengmandalgre to Gitokgre) road includes the construction of two bridges with a sanction amount of Rs 12,06,51,400, connecting the eight habitations of Chachatgre, Chachat Jangkegre, Chachat Karubibra, Jakopgre, Bolkinggre, Ganinggre, Sisobibra and Gitokgre with a population of 2153 (Census:2011). The project is proposed to complete by September 2021.
On the concerted efforts of the Government, the Chief Minister said, "We are intensifying our efforts to undertake and complete several ambitious road projects in the State for the welfare of the people with the sanctions from the government of India for the improvement of road infrastructure in the State".
In his closing remarks, the Chief Minister stated, "The MDA Government has been aggressively pursuing its agenda of development. These projects are testimony of the Government's commitment to the people; and not just an "election gimmick".