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.