SHILLONG, Aug 27: Local contractors in Meghalaya have threatened a state-wide stir after PHE Minister Marcuise Marak told the Assembly that firms in the state are “incapable” of handling the Rs 850-crore New Shillong Water Supply Scheme.
Contractors Demand Apology
The Khasi Jaintia Government Contractors and Suppliers Association (KJGC&SA) has demanded an apology from the minister, calling his remarks a direct insult to the competence of local contractors.
Origin of the Dispute
The dispute stems from a Zero Hour notice raised by Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaïawmoit during the Assembly’s Autumn Session. Responding to the notice, Marak argued that awarding the project to local contractors could lead to implementation delays.
KJGC&SA Working President FD Ramsiej said local firms have successfully completed government projects worth hundreds of crores. He questioned why the government had moved to bypass them without consultation or any assessment of their capacity.
Proposal to Split the Project
The association has proposed that the work be split into four or five smaller packages so that multiple eligible local contractors can participate. Ramsiej said the model has been used in the past for large PWD and PHE works.
Concerns Over Capital Outflow
Ramsiej also warned that awarding the contract to outside firms would cause a large outflow of capital from the state. He argued that local contractors ensure the spending circulates within Meghalaya through the use of local labour, suppliers and transporters, while outside companies typically bring their own workforce and supply chains.
Allegations of Lack of Accountability
The association has also pointed to a lack of accountability within the department. Ramsiej said the PHE Chief Engineer told them he could not intervene because the decision had come from “higher authorities.”
Formal Representation and Warning
KJGC&SA has submitted a formal representation to the PHE Chief Engineer, the minister and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, seeking a suspension and review of the tender. The association has clarified that it does not oppose the New Shillong Water Supply Scheme itself, but wants the current tender scrapped and restructured to allow local participation.
Contractors have warned that if the government does not reconsider, they will move beyond dialogue and launch a state-wide agitation.