ARCHIVED MEDIA RELEASE
PA/26/2005 22 November 2005
Australia's Deputy High Commissioner visits Shillong
Australia's Deputy High Commissioner to India, Mr. David Holly, who is on a two-day official visit to Shillong, today announced the conclusion of Australia's assistance to the Shillong Water Supply and Sanitation Project at a Project Coordination Meeting held at the Meghalaya Secretariat.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Holly said that the Australian Government has through the project helped bring high quality expertise to address Shillong's water and sanitation problems. He urged the State Government to sustain the project's efforts to further the development of infrastructure and improve water and sanitation services.
Mr. Holly said, "The project represented an important demonstration of cooperation between the Governments of Australia and India and recognised the need to provide support for the development of India's North-East states".
Mr. Holly also reviewed project activities through site visits across the city and inaugurated a toilet complex in Sishu Mandir School, Bishnupur.
Through the Shillong Water Supply and Sanitation Project, Australia extended technical assistance to help the Government of Meghalaya to plan for and deliver improved water and sanitation services, particularly to poor communities. Several demonstration projects and a large number of small activities have been implemented using innovative approaches to improve water supply and environmental sanitation conditions in many parts of Shillong. The project has prepared a plan for city-wide improvement of water, sanitation and solid waste services to be implemented by State Government agencies.
The Australian Deputy High Commissioner met the Meghalaya Governor, Mr. M M Jacob, Chief Minister D D Lapang and Chief Secretary Peter Bazeley. During his meetings, Mr Holly indicated that the Australian Government proposes to extend assistance of A$10 million to UN agencies to help combat the incidence of HIV/AIDS in the North-East Region. He also discussed prospects for collaboration in the areas of trade and investment.
For further information, please contact Andrew Adzic, Head, (Development Cooperation), Australian High Commission at 51494460.