SENAPATI, Aug 22 (NNN): Karong assembly constituency MLA Alexander inspected the damaged Chilivai IVRs Lakhamai yesterday.
The Chilivai road which suffered major damages due to flood in the region, washing away culverts with a whole stretch of road rendered almost disconnected from the rest of the district at intervals of every one/two kms. There were also stretches of landslide along the Maram-Purul- Lakhamai road, which threatens further damage if rains persist. The ill-maintained road was today inspected by MLA Dr. V Alexander Pao, along with P.P Ronald, Jr.MCS, SDO Purul, E. Chothe, EE-PWD division, Senapati, the village Chairman, Secretary, Headman, Contractors, Social Workers of villages connected by the road especially Lakhamai, Phaibung and Shirong. The single lane dilapidated road which seems least bothered by the state government or the concerned department is the sole connecting road for 19 villages clustered as Chilivai, supporting a population about 15 thousand.
Speaking at the site, the MLA said he was shocked at condition of the road. On being reported the plight of the people, the MLA assisted the urgent need of the people by engaging JCB at the site for small vehicles to pass. Saying that the road would need more repairs, the MLA appealed to the Government of Manipur, through the Work Minister Ratan Kumar and the concerned Dept. to make immediate investigation and intervene accordingly.
Lamenting on the pain of the people in times of sickness and ailment the MLA reiterated that people in the area have suffered immensely. Since there is no Primary Health Centre (PHC) with the nearest being Maram Bazaar, the families and relatives have to carry patients by walking about 11-12 hours to reach Maram Bazaar PHC to avail medical attention. There were also cases when the patient died on the way, he added. Adding to misery of the people, the telecommunication services are poor. In this regard, PP Ronald the SDO, of Purul appealed to the BSNL Telecom to open up towers in the region.
The Lakhamai village Headmen, S Thailu also added that the 33 Villages Power Centers are defunct without any power dept. staff, which leaves the region to be in darkness for over a forthnight.
The recent flood has also has threatened the livelihood of the people by washing away vast stretch of paddy field of Lakhamai, Khodom (Khullen/Khunou), Shirong(Sofii), Khongdei. The people of these villages chiefly depend on farming as source of livelihood and recently transplanted paddy worth of about 6 lakh has been submerged by the Iril River, he said.