Nongpoh, January 19: Following the circulation of videos on social media and reports in the local media highlighting alleged substandard road construction in Nongpoh Constituency of Ri Bhoi district, the Nominated Member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) from Nongpoh, Bah Mathew Kenneth Makdoh, has urged the district administration to take immediate action.

The videos reportedly show poor-quality workmanship in the construction of two roads—one under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) from 20 Mer to Umdap, and another road connecting Nongpoh to Umden—which are currently under construction.

After inspecting both road projects, Bah Makdoh submitted a written representation to the Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi district, urging the district authorities to conduct an immediate review of the ongoing works. He stressed that the construction must strictly adhere to prescribed standards and specifications to ensure durability and long-term benefit for the public.

In his letter to the Deputy Commissioner, Bah Makdoh recalled that the issue of road quality had earlier been discussed during a District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting, which was attended by the Deputy Commissioner and officials of the Public Works Department (PWD). During the meeting, it was clearly emphasized that all road construction works must meet quality standards; however, he expressed concern that the present condition of the works suggests otherwise.

Bah Makdoh called upon the district administration to take prompt corrective measures and ensure accountability so that public infrastructure projects serve their intended purpose.