Meghalaya PHE Minister Marcuise N Marak has defended the ₹850.59-crore New Shillong Water Supply Scheme Phase II, Part A, saying the project has been tendered under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model to ensure integrated execution and single-point accountability.
The Minister was responding to a Zero Hour notice raised by Nongkrem MLA Ardent M Basaiawmoit over concerns surrounding the tender.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
The real issue is accountability: With a project value of ₹850.59 crore, the most important question is not simply which contracting model is used, but whether responsibility for delays, cost overruns and performance remains clearly identifiable.
EPC offers one-point responsibility: The government's argument is that putting design, construction and commissioning under one contractor can reduce coordination gaps between different agencies.
But transparency remains important: A single-package tender can also raise legitimate questions about competition and opportunities for local contractors, making transparency in the tender process particularly important.
Three-year maintenance adds another layer: The contractor's responsibility for operation and maintenance means the project's success should ultimately be measured by whether the water actually reaches consumers reliably.
Marak said the project was sanctioned on July 30, 2026, with the tender invited on July 31.
The project involves several interconnected components, including transmission pipelines, reservoirs, pumping stations, distribution networks, electrical systems, SCADA and source rejuvenation. According to the Minister, putting these components under an EPC arrangement would allow one contractor to take responsibility for the project's design, procurement, construction, testing, commissioning and performance.
He argued that this approach could reduce coordination problems, delays and disputes that can arise when multiple contractors handle different parts of a technically interconnected project.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Shillong's growing urban population places increasing pressure on existing water infrastructure. The project therefore has significance beyond its financial value. Its implementation could affect the reliability and capacity of water supply in the expanding urban area. At the same time, the concerns raised over tendering and outstanding contractor payments make financial discipline and transparency important issues to watch.
The contractor will also be responsible for three years of operation and maintenance, including ensuring the functionality of the water supply system. However, the project has also attracted questions over its tender structure.
Basaiawmoit had raised concerns regarding the decision to award the project through a single-package tender, the participation of local contractors and the justification for proceeding with Phase II. Questions were also raised over the State's financial position, particularly in the context of pending Jal Jeevan Mission contractor bills reportedly exceeding ₹900 crore.
The Minister maintained that the EPC model was considered appropriate because of the size and technical integration of the New Shillong water supply project.
He said the approach would help improve cost and time control while ensuring that the government ultimately receives a functioning water supply system rather than separately completed components.
NationPath Editorial View:
For Shillong's residents, the ₹850.59-crore figure will matter far less than the reliability of water coming from their taps. The EPC model may provide the government with a clear accountability structure, but the project should ultimately be judged on timely completion, transparent procurement, cost discipline and measurable improvement in water supply. Large infrastructure spending earns public confidence only when its benefits are visible on the ground.
