On Friday, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said that the government had envisaged a project to connect several remote villages with suspension bridges.

“There are many villages, which are divided by rivers. The government has designed a project, which has been funded by the World Bank, that would connect villages in the state, wherein suspension bridges will be provided,” the chief minister said while inaugurating one such project at Dombagre under Dalu block in West Garo Hills.

The 80-meter-long bridge over the Bandra River connects Sesengpara Kherapara road to Dombagre village and will benefit over 2000 people.

The bridge was constructed at Rs. 2.08 Cr. It was necessitated as the old wooden bridge was damaged and washed away in the 2022 flood in the Dalu region.

“The bridge has reduced walking distance by around 11 km,” he said while stating that the suspension bridge will greatly benefit the people.

He also took the opportunity to inform the people that while the suspension bridge is a temporary solution for the village, the government will soon initiate a project for an RCC bridge. He also informed that the government has been working to ensure holistic development in the state.

During his visit to Dalu, he also met doctors and teachers from different institutions under the Dalu block and heard their concerns. Social organisations and the public at large also submitted their memorandum for the improvement of CHCs, and PHCs in the area, including a request for installation of mobile towers.

The chief minister also heard the concerns of the public during the program, which was part of the CM-Connect, a flagship initiative of the chief minister to listen to and resolve the concerns of the people.