The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Cantonment Board chants `go private' mantra

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Saturday, Jan 06, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Cantonment Board chants `go private' mantra

Dennis Marcus Mathew

taken for setting up streetlights, public conveniences SCB takes initiatives for setting up modern public conveniences, streetlights etc.

HYDERABAD: The concept of public-private partnership to provide civic amenities is catching on in the Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB).

Streetlights, modern public conveniences, traffic junctions, parks and playgrounds, among other facilities, in Cantonment areas are to be developed with participation of private parties, according to Executive Officer V. Premchand.

Contracts for agencies

The first step, which will see streetlights and public conveniences being set up, is already on with expressions of intent to be invited soon.

Both will be on build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis with agencies bagging the contracts to display advertisements for stipulated periods on streetlights and public conveniences, akin to what is happening in regions under the MCH.

Plans being drawn

Basic plans for streetlights, where they have to be put up and how many, are already available with the SCB while private agencies can submit designs along with expressions of intent for public conveniences.

Similar plans for traffic junctions are being drawn up while parks and playgrounds will have the private touch for improvement.

Private participation in other areas is gaining popularity in the SCB with the LIC planning to set up a dispensary in Rasoolpura slum.

Construction of the dispensary is expected to begin around Sankranti, Mr. Premchand says.

The idea of inviting private parties to join hands with the SCB took shape with the board's revamped focus on provision of basic civic amenities, which are in a shambles.

With development going on at a fast pace in Cantonment areas, advertisement potential, too, has risen several notches, officials point out.

On to brand-wagon

"Any major brand coming to the city is looking to open an outlet in Secunderabad too, and Cantonment areas are sought after because of the population growth," another official says.

Recent examples are McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Fresh and several other garments/accessories brands that opened shop on the Rajiv Rahadari, beginning from Vikrampuri. Colonies in the SCB are turning vantage points for advertisers these days what with the influx of IT professionals.

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