In what could be termed as a huge relief for the denizens of Jakhama, a 120,000 litre capacity water tank reservoir commissioned under MGNREGS Special Project 2016-17 was inaugurated by secretary RD, Kelei Zeliang at Jakhama Village on April 27.
The project which was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 20 lakhs would cater to the areas surrounding St. Josephs College, Loyola Higher Secondary School and Jakha town.
Speaking at the inaugural programme RD, Kelei Zeliang termed the occasion as a big achievement for the department as well as the village and also lauded the efforts of the construction committee and the Village Council for timely completion of the project.
He also expressed his gratitude to the different individuals and parties who had contributed in making the project a success.
Zeliang also mentioned that the department Rural Development was now focusing on raising the living standards of individual households so that overall development could take place. He suggested taking up cardamom plantations and piggery farming since the area was well suited and feasible for projects as such.
“Take up projects as per your village context and your efforts will bear fruits”, he advised.
Asserting the hardships faced to acquire funds from the Central Government, he urged upon the villagers to judiciously utilize funds for developmental activities when provided by the department. He also pointed out the importance of putting up signboards on every completed project as everything has to be geo-tagged. Zeliang further stressed on the need to open individual bank accounts and to obtain aadhar cards so as to facilitate the process of Direct Benefit Transfer.
Highlighting on the project report, Ar. Zavishio Khieya informed that the water reservoir was fully RCC where the base and the walls were ten inches thick and the top slab was 4 inches thick. The tank was equipped with a wall buffer in between the reservoir to reduce the movement of water inside.
Maintaining that there were about 60 hostels around the area where on an average 25 students were accommodated in each hostel, he felt that this reservoir would benefit not only the people of Jakhama but also the students who were residing in the area.
The programme was chaired by chairman JVC, Dr. Nolesol Zhotso while Asst. Catechist Koleto dedicated the programme.