The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Delay in completing civic works dominates Ambattur council meeting

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Monday, Jul 13, 2009
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Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Delay in completing civic works dominates Ambattur council meeting

K. Lakshmi

Councillors cutting across parties raise charges

CHENNAI: Complaints on undue delay in executing civic works and erratic water supply dominated the recent meeting of the Ambattur council.

Councillors cutting across parties charged that though work orders were issued at least eight months ago, the works in their respective wards, mostly of blacktopping of roads, were yet to begin.

While ward 41 councillor R.B. Guhan said that several works, including blacktopping Balaji Nagar and Kuppusamy Street, were pending, ward 45 councillor V. Alexander said only Rs.9 lakh worth projects had been completed so far in his ward over the past two years. Though the tendering process was completed, works had not yet started, he said.

Ward members also demanded that the water supply be increased by providing public fountains and tanker supply to meet the water crisis. They also charged that only 40 per cent of the streetlights installed were functioning. Another major complaint was the delay in implementing the underground drainage project.

Responding to the charges, Municipal Chairman K.N. Sekar said the election code of conduct had led to the postponement of various works. But action had been taken to accelerate projects. The second phase of the drainage project is set to be completed by August and the network in three wards would be connected to the existing system of Chennai Metrowater. The other two phases of the project were also on progress.

Ambattur Municipality officials said nearly Rs. 9.7 crore worth of works in various fields, such as schools, health, parks development and roads, were expected to be completed by this month-end. “We are prioritising works to be completed. More importance is given to laying of roads. Some of the roads to be blacktopped include those in Krishnapuram, Mogappair and Athipet,” an official said.

The council approved the resolution to terminate the contract given to Swachatha Corporation, which is involved in clearing garbage at six wards in Ambattur, by this month-end. The decision was taken after complaints were received about irregular garbage clearance. The contract would be awarded to Neel Metal Fanalca, which is already involved in garbage collection at 19 wards of the local body.

Resolutions pertaining to nearly Rs.3 crore worth of works were passed at the council meeting. Of this, about 50 per cent were related to repairing damaged roads.

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