Shillong, May 22 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday reiterated his government’s commitment to “people-centric governance and participatory development”, stating that direct engagement with citizens is essential to ensure developmental programmes and urban infrastructure projects address the actual needs of the people.

Addressing residents during the “MLA Connect” programme at Matchikolgre in Tura town, Sangma said the government is committed to transforming Tura into a modern, clean, and well-planned urban centre through sustained investments in infrastructure, improved civic services, beautification initiatives, and the creation of public spaces.

He said regular field visits and public consultations help departments coordinate more effectively and enable faster implementation of projects on the ground.

During the interaction, residents, local leaders, youth bodies, and community representatives raised several issues relating to roads, drainage, sanitation, electricity, water supply, and urban infrastructure.

Locals informed the Chief Minister that garbage collection vehicles are unable to access certain parts of the locality during the monsoon due to slippery road conditions, creating difficulties in waste management and sanitation.

Responding to the concerns, Sangma directed the Tura Municipal Board (TMB) to explore temporary measures to ensure uninterrupted garbage collection services in the area.

He also said the government would examine the feasibility of introducing 4×4 garbage collection vehicles in the long term to improve accessibility in difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions.

Residents also highlighted the poor condition of a non-government primary school in the locality and sought support for basic infrastructure, including a boundary wall, electricity and water connections, toilet facilities, and children’s play equipment.

The Chief Minister assured that the issues would be examined for necessary intervention and support. A local youth body further requested assistance for the development of a basketball court and youth infrastructure.

Sangma responded positively and pledged support in the form of sports equipment and musical instruments to encourage sports, cultural activities, and constructive youth engagement.

Concerns were also raised regarding high electricity bills following the installation of smart meters. Officials from the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) clarified that earlier many households either did not have meters or were billed on estimated assessments, whereas smart meters now generate bills based on actual electricity consumption.

Officials informed residents that a team would visit the locality on Monday to inspect the issue, while assuring that any genuine discrepancies in bill generation would be corrected immediately. Residents additionally appealed for a joint or public water connection for households unable to individually bear the cost of water connections.

The Chief Minister assured that the matter would be examined in consultation with the concerned departments. During the programme, Sangma also urged citizens to actively participate in the ongoing economic census, stating that accurate data is crucial for planning welfare schemes and ensuring targeted delivery of government benefits, particularly for economically weaker and BPL families.

The programme is part of the Meghalaya government’s broader initiative to strengthen responsive administration, improve urban infrastructure, and promote inclusive development across Tura and surrounding areas.

–IANS

tdr/pgh