Villagers refute JJM project completion report
Source: Chronicle News Service
Senapati, September 08 2024:
Rikhumai Taphou villagers have dismissed the completion report of the JJM project posted on the PHE department s website.
The report claims that 96 per cent of tap water connections has been implemented in the village, which has 150 households.
However, in a press statement signed by chairman PH Fuvei and secretary S Sousa, the Rikhumai Taphou village authority stated that the work under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in their area is still incomplete.
Despite the project's significance and the given timeline, substantial portions of the work remain unfinished.
The village body contended that augmentation of Rikhumai Taphou Water Scheme under Jal Jeevan Mission with an objective to enhance water supply infrastructure and provide functional tap water connections to households is part of the project details.
It pointed out that key elements of the project, such as pipeline installation and water storage facilities, remain incomplete.
This delay has adversely impacted access to clean and safe drinking water, which is essential for health and daily life, adding that the unresolved issues are causing considerable inconvenience and concern among residents.
The village then urged the relevant authorities to promptly investigate the issue and take up necessary steps to complete the remaining work.
They also called for an immediate resolution to the financial, technical, and logistical challenges that have caused the delay.
The Rikhumai Taphou village body also demanded a revised timeline for the completion of the project and regular progress updates.
It then expressed hope that the authority concerned will prioritize the issue and address it with urgency, as there is an expectation for prompt action to ensure that the benefits of the Jal Jeevan Mission are effectively delivered to the community.
Speaking to the media at the site of the proposed reservoir, village chairman PH Fu-vei commented that providing 40-50 pipes for 20 households does not constitute the completion of the project, especially in the absence of any actual construction.
He conveyed villagers' strong opposition to the report that claims the project has been implemented without the necessary facilities in place.
Stressing the vital importance of water, Fuvei urged that no compromises should be made on this essential resource.
He called on the relevant department to address and complete the unfinished work for the benefit of the village.