The Hindu 29.03.2011
VMC pats citizens for paying user charges
‘Corporation incurring losses on water supply’
Municipal Commissioner G. Ravi Babu. — Photo: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar
Municipal Commissioner G. Ravi Babu on Monday complimented the taxpayers
of the city for promptly paying user charges despite stiff opposition
and agitation by political parties.
“The people here are law abiding, and the Corporation
could collect 90 per cent of the demand so far,” he said at a
Meet-the-Press organised by Vijayawada unit of Andhra Pradesh Union of
Working Journalists, adding that “the people are still disinclined
towards some developments.”
He wanted the ratepayers to realise their role in
developing the city and achieving global recognition. There was very
little response to underground drainage and water connections. The
people were in the habit of fixing motors to water taps to draw water at
the cost of their neighbours. Some were reluctant to take UGD
connections and continued to rely on septic tanks. “Water and UGD
connections would be provided without any donations, if taken in the
next two months,” he said.
Mr. Ravi Babu said that the Corporation was incurring
losses to the tune of 40 per cent to 60 per cent on water supply. “If
people can rationalise their water usage by taking sufficient number of
tap connections, losses can be minimised,” he explained, adding that the
Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) was planning to construct six
sewer water recycling plants in the city.
Referring to Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) project,
Mr. Ravi Babu said that the VMC had submitted a revised Detailed Project
Report (DPR) worth Rs. 152 crore, and included link road connecting
BRTS corridor and Inner Ring Road.
Captive power plant
The VMC was also contemplating setting up a 1-MW captive
power plant to provide electricity to street lights. The Residential
Welfare Associations were playing a pivotal role in the sanitation, he
said, adding that the Corporation had planned to form at least 1,000
RWAs as against the existing 250 RWAs.
He said the roads would be re-laid before onset of
monsoon. A traffic training park for children on about one-acre land was
also on the cards. APUWJ state vice-president Ambati Anjaneyulu,
district secretary Ch. Ravi, Press Club president Sk. Babu and others
were present.
