The Hindu : Front Page : Projects in 3 civic bodies to be delayed

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Thursday, Mar 12, 2009
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Projects in 3 civic bodies to be delayed

Deepa H Ramakrishnan

CHENNAI: Implementation of many projects to upgrade basic amenities in three municipalities in north Chennai will be delayed as the local bodies’ budget for 2009-10 could not be presented before the code of conduct for the general elections came into force.

The Tiruvottiyur Municipality had decided to convene the Budget session on March 3 and even distributed copies of the agenda to councillors. Municipal Chairman R. Jayaraman said: “…We had anticipated the election announcement, but, due to a by-election, we were unable to hold it earlier. We have called for tenders for annual maintenance and procurement of spare parts for water supply and sewerage schemes and electrical works. They await the Council’s approval.”

Manali Municipality had planned to hold the meeting later this month. Chairman Mullai R. Gnanasekar said they had invited tenders for additional water supply and works such as maintenance of streetlights and stormwater drains, which are taken up in the summer. “But, we cannot get the Council’s approval as even ordinary meetings cannot be convened during elections…”

Kathivakkam Municipal Chairman A. Murugavel said the local body normally held its budget meetings in April, but now would have to hold them after the elections. “Many civil works will remain pending due to this delay. We cannot call for new tenders or take up proposals.”

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