The Hindu    03.09.2012

Municipal office building awaits inauguration

Delay in the inauguration of the municipal office building, constructed at an estimate of Rs.85 lakh here has been causing inconvenience to the public and the elected representatives in attending the council meeting.

Works on construction of municipal office, along with electrical wiring and other interior civil works were completed about three months ago but it is yet to be inaugurated.

The foundation for the building was laid in 2008 with the municipality contributing Rs.35 lakh as its share for the estimate. The old building, though small, had a large vacant space all around it and the availability of this site facilitated the government to go in for a new building. The municipality was shifted to a temporary building and the old building was demolished.

The authorities, based on the difficulties faced by the councillors and officials at the old building, designed the blueprint for the new building ensuring spacious plinth area for the council hall, commissioner’s chamber and municipal office. The old building did not have a full fledged council hall and the monthly meetings were held in a small room on the first floor.

“The work has been completed and the building just awaits inauguration. The plinth area of the office is 5,638 square feet, council hall 3,723 square feet, and training hall 1,600 square feet,” say official sources. As frequent training programmes are being organised by the municipality under various schemes, the new building includes an exclusive hall.

The delay in inaugurating the facility forms part of the discussion at municipal council meetings. Even on Saturday, a few DMK councillors led by Ramesh expressed dismay.