The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Visakhapatnam News : `Wish I had brought Godavari water'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 30, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

`Wish I had brought Godavari water'

By Our Staff Reporter

VISAKHAPATNAM, MARCH 29. Five years in the office of the Mayor has given her complete satisfaction but the failure to bring Godavari waters before demitting office has dampened her spirit.

``I tried my level best to serve the city and improve the living conditions. l wanted to distribute Godavari waters during my term but I am sorry that 20 to 30 per cent work is yet to be completed,'' the Mayor, Rajana Ramani, told The Hindu before demitting office on Tuesday.

Ms. Ramani was very happy with the introduction of the Soukaryam scheme in a big way to enable public to obtain various certificates and pay bills on-line.

On her bitter experiences, she revealed that there were times, when she thought of quitting the post initially and say `sorry' to people due to tremendous pressure. "There was heavy expectation from the public and the Corporation's fund position at that time was very bad. Fortunately, some of my well-wishers dissuaded me from taking a hasty step. Thank God, the fund position also improved slowly and good days came back again,'' she disclosed.

Coveted award

Ms. Ramani said she preferred to receive `women-friendly city' award from a United Nations (UN) on March 8, 2004, in Japan ignoring lobbying for an MLA ticket. She said being a woman, she did not encounter any problem while tackling various problems because of her experience as a lecturer, an MLA and a trade union leader.

``On the whole, the quality of life has improved remarkably in the city. Right now, there is resentment because of digging of roads for Godavari pipeline and underground drainage works. I have directed officials to finish patch work immediately to avoid inconvenience to the public,'' she said.

Ms. Ramani felt that she had gained tremendous knowledge during her tenure. "As a civics lecturer, I only had theoretical knowledge. Now I had the practical exposure which enables me to tackle any issue or speak on anything,'' she said.

On her future plans, she said she would stay in the same house and the same street with the same motto. ''I took up public issues, whether I was holding any post or not. For 10 years, I was in active politics without holding any post. Hence, I will continue to do the same after demitting office,'' she declared.

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