SHILLONG, Oct 17: Residents of Jakrem have faced an erratic water supply for two years, with frequent pump failures, low voltage and insufficient storage, hampering the effectiveness of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
The Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC) stated on Wednesday that it has repeatedly urged the PHE Mawkyrwat Division to resolve the crisis. The most affected areas include Mission, Laitmawbah, Nonghalait (Pyndensiej) and Sngimietnah.
According to the VWSC, the PHE department attributed the recurring pump failures to low electricity voltage. The village currently relies on pumps that have been in service for over 20 years.
The committee further noted that the JJM rollout did not include a sufficient increase in storage tanks to meet the community’s demand.
A new water supply scheme drawing from the Rilang River is currently being processed to provide a permanent solution. The foundation stone has been laid by the local MLA, and the department has already invited tenders for the project.
The VWSC and the village executive dorbar expressed hope that the new initiative will provide lasting relief. They thanked the PHE Mawkyrwat Division for securing the project and reaffirmed their commitment to improving water access in the region.