Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday attended “MLA Connect” at Matchikolgre in Tura town as part of continued efforts to strengthen grassroots engagement.
During the programme, the Chief Minister interacted extensively with residents, local leaders, youth bodies, community representatives and stakeholders from the locality.
Residents raised several concerns relating to roads, drainage, sanitation, public amenities, electricity, water supply, and urban infrastructure.
Community members highlighted that garbage collection trucks are unable to reach certain parts of the locality during the monsoon season because of slippery road conditions, leading to difficulties in waste management and sanitation.
In response, the Chief Minister directed the Tura Municipal Board (TMB) to explore temporary solutions to ensure uninterrupted garbage collection services in the locality.
He further stated that the Government would examine the possibility of introducing 4×4 garbage collection vehicles in the long run to improve accessibility in difficult terrain and during adverse weather conditions.
During the interaction, residents and community representatives also highlighted the condition of a non-government primary school in the locality and raised concerns regarding the lack of basic infrastructure including a boundary wall, electricity and water connections, and toilet facilities. Requests were also made for swings, slides, and other play equipment for children.
The Chief Minister assured that the concerns raised would be examined for necessary support and intervention.
A local youth body also requested support for the development of a basketball court and related youth infrastructure.
Responding positively, the Chief Minister pledged assistance in the form of music instruments and sports equipment for the youth club to encourage constructive youth engagement, sports and cultural activities.
During the interaction, residents also raised concerns regarding high electricity bills following the installation of smart meters. Officials from MeECL clarified that earlier, many households either did not have smart meters or conventional meters, and bills were often generated based on estimated assessments.
With the introduction of smart meters, billing is now being generated according to actual electricity consumption.
It was informed that a team would visit the locality on Monday to inspect the issue. Residents were also assured that if any genuine discrepancies or problems in bill generation are found, corrective measures would be taken immediately.
Residents further informed the Chief Minister that several households in the locality are unable to individually deposit the required amount for water connections. They requested consideration for a joint or public water connection to serve the affected families.
The Chief Minister assured that the matter would be examined in consultation with the concerned departments.
During the programme, the Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of the ongoing economic census and urged citizens to actively participate in the exercise. He stated that the census is particularly important for economically weaker and BPL families, as accurate data is essential for effective planning, welfare schemes, and targeted delivery of Government benefits.