The road leading to St. John’s English School Bylane in Rehabari, Guwahati, has turned into a nightmare for daily commuters. What was once a minor inconvenience has now become a hazardous obstacle course, thanks to the Public Works Department's (PWD) habitual negligence. Residents are left fuming as the road, dug up for drain restoration, remains in a state of disrepair with debris scattered all along its sides. It’s a grim reminder of the PWD’s repeated failures in delivering on public infrastructure projects.
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The restoration work began on July 1, with the promise of swift completion. However, months later, residents are still waiting. The situation has grown so dire that Shreya Sonthalia, a resident, expressed her frustration to GPlus, saying, "The construction started on July 1, but for the past few days, the work has come to a halt. We are facing a daily problem of commuting. We have a patient at home and we need to carry him every time, which is becoming very difficult. We have already lodged complaints, however, there hasn’t been any response."
Sonthalia’s concerns resonate with many other residents in the area. Another resident, choosing to remain anonymous, criticised the lack of urgency displayed by the authorities. “It’s almost as if they don’t care. The road is a mess, and the debris left behind is making things worse. We’ve seen no progress for days, and no one seems to be accountable.”
The frustrations don’t end there. Another anonymous local, fed up with the PWD’s indifference, added, “This isn’t the first time they’ve started something and then just left it halfway. It’s like a routine with the PWD – start a project, create chaos, and then disappear for weeks. When it rains, the road becomes even more dangerous.”
Unfortunately, this situation is not unique to Rehabari. The PWD’s half-hearted approach to infrastructure projects is an ongoing issue in Guwahati. One notable example is the chaotic road restoration near Ganeshguri in 2022. The road, dug up for drain repairs, was left incomplete for months, leading to heavy traffic congestion and numerous complaints. The PWD had promised swift action, but completion came only after media coverage and public outrage reached a tipping point. Even then, the repairs were hastily done, leaving the road uneven and dangerous for drivers.
The recurring pattern of delays, negligence, and poor communication has led to a growing sense of distrust among Guwahati’s residents. Despite several complaints and promises of action, little has changed in how PWD operates. This lack of accountability is reflected in the current situation at Rehabari, where residents are left to deal with the dust, debris, and disruption to their daily lives.
A PWD official, when questioned about the delay, responded, “We have been instructed to repair the roads before the festivities. A few routes where drains were restored are yet to be completed. We are working on it.” However, such statements provide little comfort to those suffering due to the prolonged delay. The festive season is fast approaching, and locals remain sceptical that any real progress will be made.
With no signs of immediate relief in sight, the residents of Rehabari are bracing themselves for more delays, debris, and disappointment. The PWD’s chronic inefficiency and lack of urgency in addressing these critical issues have left many questioning when, if ever, their neighbourhood will be restored to normalcy.