SHILLONG: A massive standoff has erupted between the PHE Department and the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) following a week-long water crisis that left half of Shillong high and dry.
PHE Minister Marcuise N. Marak has officially broken his silence, pointing a finger directly at the NHIDCL for what he calls “reckless and negligent” work in the 101 Area.
The Crisis: A City Left Thirsty
Since December 10, residents across various sectors of Shillong have been struggling without a drop of water. The cause? Major water mains were crushed and buried deep beneath a newly carpeted highway.
NHIDCL allegedly went ahead with heavy road surfacing while PHE pipes were still being relocated.
Because the pipes were buried under fresh, high-quality bitumen, engineers couldn’t even locate the leaks.
The PHE Department was forced to abandon the old lines entirely and lay 300 meters of brand-new piping from scratch.
A visibly frustrated Marcuise didn’t mince words, accusing the NHIDCL of total “carelessness.” He argued that the agency should have waited for the PHE to clear the site before paving.
“We have requested the Government to initiate a stringent inquiry. We want tough action taken based on the final report. This kind of negligence cannot be ignored,” Marcuise N. Marak.
While the city complained, PHE workers were reportedly working around the clock for seven straight days.
Day and night shifts to bypass the damaged underground network.
As of today, the new 300-meter line is complete.
When Will Your Taps Run?
There is finally light at the end of the tunnel for frustrated residents: tonight water pressure will begin to build up slowly across the lines. The Minister assures that the water supply will return to 100% normalcy.
