Ward Watch
Ward number- 42
Ward Councillor- Masuma Begum
Voters- 18,000 approx
Population- 20,000 approx
Concentrated areas- Hatigaon, Sijubari
Ward 42, comprising key areas like Hatigaon, Sijubari, and Notboma, is struggling with a multitude civic issues that have left its approximately 20,000 residents disillusioned. Despite being one of the more populous wards in Guwahati, with about 18,000 registered voters, basic infrastructure and public services in this area have been neglected, leaving residents demanding answers and action.
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The state of the road connecting Notboma to Hatigaon Chariali is emblematic of this neglect. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has seemingly turned a blind eye to this stretch because it does not fall under the category of a main road. Consequently, no sanitation workers are deployed to clean the area, leaving it in an unhygienic condition. Piles of litter and unkempt surroundings have become a common sight, much to the frustration of those who rely on this road for daily commutes. Residents have repeatedly complained, but no concrete steps have been taken to address the issue.
Adding to their woes is the chronic problem of faulty streetlights, which poses a serious safety hazard, especially after dark. While streetlights in the ward have been restored and replaced on multiple occasions, they frequently malfunction, plunging the roads into darkness. This has made residents vulnerable to accidents and crimes. “Major concerns in this area include the rise of drug abuse and gambling. We have repeatedly informed the authorities to keep a check on the situation. With the present state of streetlights, safety is a major issue,” said Masuma Begum, Ward 42 Councillor, in an interview with GPlus.
Safety Concerns Escalate
The councillor’s concerns about drug abuse and gambling are shared by residents, who feel increasingly unsafe in their neighbourhoods. Dark, poorly lit roads make it easier for such illegal activities to thrive. Residents believe that proper maintenance of streetlights, along with regular police patrolling, could act as a deterrent, but such measures have been scarce.
Furthermore, the lack of financial resources allocated to the ward has exacerbated the situation. While each ward is promised Rs. 1 crore annually for developmental work, Councillor Begum revealed that Ward 42 has received only Rs. 1 crore over the last three years. This disparity has slowed down or stalled several essential projects.
“The financial aid is just not enough for a ward this size. Roads, drains, and public amenities all require attention, but the funds allocated are insufficient to meet the needs of the population. We need consistent and adequate funding if any meaningful progress is to be made,” Begum added.
Roads and Drains in Limbo
While some roads and drains in the ward are reportedly under restoration, there is no clear timeline for the completion of these projects. The slow pace of work has left residents sceptical about whether they will ever see an improvement. The poor condition of roads not only hampers daily commutes but also leads to waterlogging during the monsoon, making the situation even worse.
In Sijubari and Hatigaon, where many families depend on proper drainage systems to prevent water from seeping into their homes, incomplete restoration work has caused significant inconvenience.
The inability of the GMC to adhere to project deadlines has further dented public confidence in the authorities’ commitment to resolving these issues.
Water Supply Woes
Beyond the roads and drains, the erratic water supply remains a significant issue in the ward. Despite being one of the most basic necessities, many households in Hatigaon and Sijubari do not receive a consistent supply of water. The situation forces residents to depend on water tankers or borewells, which increases their financial burden.
“I have lived here for over a decade, and the water supply issue has been a constant struggle. We are tired of complaining, but nothing changes,” said a resident of Hatigaon, who preferred to remain anonymous.
Disparity in Fund Allocation
The councillor’s revelations about the financial aid discrepancies have highlighted another critical issue. The Rs. 1 crore allocated annually to each ward is meant to address civic concerns and developmental work. However, Ward 42 receiving the same amount over a three-year period has raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the allocation process.
“The funds are inadequate to address even the immediate needs of the ward. With a population of 20,000, we are unable to cater to the growing demands for better roads, drainage systems, and water supply,” Councillor Begum said.
Residents Demand Action
Despite some restoration work being underway, the lack of a defined timeline and the uncertainty surrounding financial aid have left residents disillusioned. “We feel forgotten by the authorities. Every election, promises are made, but the reality remains the same. Roads, drains, and water supply are basic necessities, and yet we struggle to get them,” said another resident from Sijubari.
As civic issues pile up, residents of Ward 42 are calling for greater accountability from the GMC and other governing bodies. They demand regular maintenance of streetlights, more efficient garbage disposal systems, and timely completion of ongoing restoration work. Above all, they want assurances that their voices will be heard and their concerns addressed.
Ward 42 is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many areas in Guwahati, where uneven development and inadequate resources continue to hinder progress. For its residents, the hope is that the authorities will finally prioritise their needs and take decisive action to address these longstanding issues.
