Tura, May 22: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday directed officials to address civic issues, including waste management and complaints related to smart electricity meters, during the “MLA Connect” programme held at Matchikolgre in Tura.
The outreach programme, aimed at strengthening grassroots engagement and reviewing urban infrastructure, saw residents raise concerns over poor road conditions, sanitation, drainage, water supply, electricity billing, and public amenities.
One of the major issues highlighted by residents was the inability of garbage collection vehicles to access certain areas during the monsoon due to slippery road conditions, affecting waste disposal and sanitation services.
In response, the Chief Minister directed the Tura Municipal Board (TMB) to explore temporary arrangements to ensure uninterrupted garbage collection. He also said the government would examine the possibility of introducing 4×4 garbage collection vehicles for difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions.
Residents also pointed to the poor condition of a non-government primary school in the locality, citing the lack of basic infrastructure such as a boundary wall, electricity and water connections, toilets, and children’s play equipment. Sangma assured that the matter would be examined for necessary support.
A local youth body sought assistance for developing a basketball court and other youth infrastructure. The Chief Minister responded by pledging support through sports equipment and musical instruments to encourage youth participation in sports and cultural activities.
Concerns over high electricity bills following the installation of smart meters were also raised during the interaction. Officials from Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) clarified that earlier, many households were billed based on estimated consumption, while smart meters now generate bills according to actual electricity usage.
Officials informed residents that a team would visit the locality on Monday to inspect the issue and assured that corrective measures would be taken if discrepancies were found.
Residents further requested the government to consider a joint or public water connection for families unable to individually afford connection deposits. The Chief Minister said the proposal would be examined with the concerned departments.
During the programme, Sangma also urged citizens to actively participate in the ongoing economic census, stating that accurate data is essential for planning welfare schemes and ensuring targeted delivery of government benefits, especially for economically weaker and BPL families.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to participatory governance, Sangma said regular interaction with citizens helps align development projects with local needs and supports the vision of transforming Tura into a modern and well-planned urban centre.
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