Political discussions in Meghalaya intensified during the ongoing Autumn Session of the State Legislative Assembly when a prominent opposition figure raised pressing questions regarding a major upcoming water infrastructure initiative. Voice of the People Party leader Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit utilized Zero Hour to address the proposed New Shillong Water Supply Scheme Phase-II, which carries an estimated cost of Rs. 850.58 crore, pressing the administration for comprehensive details before any formal contracts are awarded.
Scrutinizing the Tender Before Financial Commitment
Basaiawmoit emphasized to the assembly that the discussion extended far beyond routine procurement procedures, directly involving a massive allocation of public funds. Pointing to the sheer scale of the investment, he noted that the administration bears a fundamental duty to guarantee that every rupee is utilized economically, transparently, and strictly for the public good. According to the legislator, the current window before contract finalization represents a vital opportunity for lawmakers to seek answers and ensure accountability before the state becomes financially bound to the undertaking.
Concerns Over Single Package Tendering
A significant point of contention raised during the session was the decision to issue the entire Phase-II project as a single, consolidated package. The official tender for Phase-II, designated as Part-A and estimated at approximately Rs. 850.58 crore, was published on July 31, 2026, with the bidding window scheduled to close on August 28. Basaiawmoit asserted that the government had previously assured local contractors that the works would not be bundled into one massive package, demanding an explanation as to why that approach was abandoned.
He argued that packaging the entire undertaking as an 850-crore contract effectively restricts the participation of capable Meghalaya-based contractors. Many local firms simply lack the immense financial turnover and technical credentials required to bid for a project of such magnitude independently. He clarified that the objection was not about demanding preferential treatment for local businesses, but rather about ensuring that the tender framework fosters genuine competition rather than stifling it.
Project Justification and State Finances
The legislator also pressed the government for specific technical and financial disclosures, including the complete Bill of Quantities and the total cost breakdown. He questioned whether the preceding Phase-First had been successfully completed and whether it was currently delivering water up to its design capacity. Furthermore, he asked why the second phase could not be divided into smaller, geographically appropriate, and technically viable packages to accommodate a wider pool of eligible local contractors.
Highlighting broader economic worries, Basaiawmoit drew attention to the state's existing fiscal obligations, noting official acknowledgments that pending contractor payments under the Jal Jeevan Mission have already surpassed Rs. 900 crore. He questioned how the administration plans to shoulder another 850-crore liability without deepening financial strain on the treasury. Concluding his address, he urged the government to table the detailed project report, expenditure records, and funding plan before proceeding with the contract award.
