The Deccan Herald 07.10.2010
Rs 37 lakh released, but Ashraya beneficiaries continue to suffer
Mangalore, Oct 6, DHNS
Padavu Central Ward Corporator Mariamma Thomas said that in spite of releasing Rs 27.42 lakh in 2009-10 and Rs 9.55 lakh during 2010-11 to Nirmithi Kendra to undertake development works in Rajiva Nagara in Shaktinagara, no works have been undertaken so far.
Disclosing the details which she had collected through RTI Act from the municipal section of the Deputy Commissioner’s office here on Wednesday, she said under Rajiv Gandhi scheme, the Central government had sanctioned Rs 66.66 lakh for providing basic facilities like road, retaining wall and construction of drains in the Ashraya colony in Shaktinagara. However, the reason which was given for not undertaking the work is that there was objection from the locals and the region was facing severe shortage of water and heavy rains, which looks silly, she charged.
She alleged that Deputy Commissioner’s office itself has made provision for the misuse of money by releasing the money when even works worth single pie had not been undertaken in the ward.
The residents of Rajiva Nagara have been denied of basic facilities and the officials should mention the names of those who objected to the work.
She said that there is no guarantee over the quality of the works being carried out by the Nirmithi Kendra. The houses were constructed by the Nirmithi Kendra in the colony during 1997. However, several houses have collapsed within five years.
Thomas urged the Deputy Commissioner to withdraw the contract and call for a public tender.
Zoning regulation
Thomas said that a draft for amendment to zoning regulation has been prepared and June 30 was the last date for filing objections to the amendment by the public.
All the problems related to zoning regulation would have been solved if the authorities had approved the draft of the amendment. However, instead of solving the problems being faced by the commonman, a committee had been constituted to look into the objections. However, the committee has members who do not have any knowledge on zones.
The zoning regulation is creating problems to the people. To get single site approval, one need to pay 15 per cent of site value to the MUDA. However, the amendment has reduced it to 7 per cent.
She urged the authorities to implement the amendment to zoning regulation in the CDP at the earliest.
Water bill
Owing to the confusion created by the water metre readers, general public are put into hardship. Instead of the regular Rs 65 as water bill, many are getting bills for Rs 5,000. “In my own ward, I have submitted nearly 35 applications with regard to water bills. However, none of the applications have been disposed so far.”
Though the ruling party in the MCC speak on development works in the MCC limits, the development works are seen only in the form of concrete roads. However, the interior roads have not been touched so far, she added.
