Imphal, March 27: Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has stated that Waithou Pat in Thoubal district is not just an enchanting scenic spot but also an important lake contributing to the socio-economic life of the people living in the surrounding area.

Addressing as chief guest at the foundation stone laying ceremony of a Water Supply Scheme at Waithou this morning, the Chief Minister said the people of the area should extend their full co-operation in development of the lake and its surrounding area.

To be implemented by PHE Department, the water supply scheme is to be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 59.70 under Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resource.

The project is targeted to be completed by March 2209 and would have the capacity of generating 18 million litre of water on daily basis for people living in 58 villages in and around Waithou and five other towns.

The Chief Minister further assured that the project would not cause any inconvenience to the people of the area who are depending on the lake for their livelihood through fishing and other allied activities.

In fact, clearing of the Phumdis and other unwanted reeds would benefit the fish farmers and the fishers even more, he added.

On the other hand, increase in the flow of tourists coming to see the beauty of the lake would not only generate more income to the Government, but it would also provide job opportunities to many people, the Chief Minister said with optimism.

In response to the memoranda submitted by the people of the area, the Chief Minister assured that development of the school buildings and playground would be taken up in consultation with the officials of the Department concerned.

In his presidential address, PHE Minister Govindas Konthoujam said that the water supply schemes being taken up at different parts of the State to resolve the problems of lack of adequate drinking water are in the final stages of completion and would be inaugurated one after the other from April.

He also expressed hope that the local Meira Paibis and other social organisations would extend their full co-operation for the success of the water supply scheme being set up at Waithou.

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