HELP AT HAND: Visakha-II MLA S. Ranga Raju handing over the compensation amount to house owners in the city on Wednesday. — Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam

VISAKHAPATNAM: Congress leader and Visakha-II MLA S. Ranga Raju on Wednesday found fault with the district administration for not completing stormwater drainage project at an estimated cost of Rs.70 crores as promised last year.

After handing over a compensation of Rs.750 to owners of houses that were damaged partially following heavy rain in Sebastian Colony and other areas in the city, he wondered what had happened to the project.

"I am sorry that the fate of Yerrigedda and Chakaligedda that carry the city's drain water to the sea has remained the same. Now, some reports say that the project cost is slashed to Rs. 9 crores," he stated.

Earlier, Mr. Ranga Raju distributed cash at the rate of Rs.750 each among 77 families in the presence of in-charge Mandal Revenue Officer Veerabhadra Rao.

The MLA also blamed the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation for not showing interest to complete the drainage project on a war-footing.

An announcement was made last year to clear choking of city drains so as to ensure free flow and avoid submergence of low-lying areas after public outcry over flooding of Sebastian Colony, Sevanagar and other areas.

Mr. Ranga Raju, who is the steering committee member of Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission, said that part of the service charges being paid by the Visakhapatnam Port Trust to the municipal corporation should be earmarked for executing stormwater drainage project.

Airport issue

On suspension of air traffic for a few days, he regretted that this time it had not happened due to discharge of water from Meghadrigedda reservoir.

He said the consultancy firm that was appointed to suggest prevention of flooding by Meghadrigedda waters would come to the city on August 13.

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