Pics: Meryick D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (BG/PS)
Mangalore, May 13: "To resolve frequent complaints of delay in basic works in the Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) limits, we have planned to completely computerize the MCC works on priority basis. This will not only speed up the works, but will also help in getting accurate and transparent figures and data," said mayor Mahabala Maarla, addressing media persons during ‘meet the press’ here on Tuesday, May 13.
He said it was not the responsibility of the mayor, corporators and officials alone in bringing major drastic changes in the system, and that the public can make things better by joining hands with the MCC. He also noted the role of media in making things better.
"Computerization is a major plan put up by the new administration of MCC on priority basis, as there were too many complaints with regard to the delay in lots of works, especially with issuing of various certificates, licenses etc. Once the computerization is set up, any individual can have a look over the data and a high transparency level can be maintained. The whole of the city will be divided into three zones, each zone with offices in Kadri, Suratkal, and Lalbagh which will continue to be the head office and the prime control office," said the mayor.
Tackling malaria
"We have not been receiving malaria patient data and hence it has been difficult for us to track the situation. Requisition letters are sent to 43 medical colleges and hospitals. Public involvement is also urged for the eradication of malaria. Awareness will be created through various programmes among the public, college and school students as well," said Maarla, adding that hospitals like Father Muller, AJ, KMC, KS Hegde, Srinivas Medical College and others will assist in conducting various programmes for the eradication of malaria.
Water distribution and project
The mayor also focused on water distribution management, and said, "Proper control over water distribution in various sectors - industrial, commercial and domestic- is very important. Right now we have no accurate figures regarding this. We need to maintain a clear data sheet to keep a check on the flow of water across the district. Weekly updated reports need to be maintained with regard to construction sites, so as to avoid violation of rules, as once the construction is complete, we cannot ask them to demolish the whole building."
He said that computerization with special software is the only solution to problems regarding payments.
"A drinking water project at an estimated cost of Rs 160 crore will be set up through which the whole of Mangalore city can get 24x7 drinking water. The second phase of drainage water management at a cost of Rs 120 crore is to be done. A proper study on the existing underground drainage plans will also be undertaken. Digital meters will be installed for industries to track their water usage. A special court to solve issues related to the water bills is also in the anvil. There are more than 5,000 public taps in the city and plans will be chalked out to install water taps in every house."
Construction of footpaths
"The city roads have been concreted, but they lack foothpaths, hence construction of footpaths across major roads in the city is another priority. Tender has already been called and the work will be started at the earliest," said the mayor.
"We are focusing more on having a greener surrounding and this idea will be initiated from the coming Vanamahotsava day. A different committee has been formed for the same with public participation," he added.
"Parking is another problem in the city. A three-storied paid parking complex will be set up at the old bus stand area," he said.
The mayor also focused on setting up circles that are scientifically planned which would help in the beautification of the city. Circles at Kankanady, Mallikatta, Bunts Hostel, Jyothi, PVS and Kodialbail will be upgraded, he said. The mayor also talked about setting up certain norms to control advertisements, banners and posters in the city.
He also revealed plans of constructing bus stands in various places.
Corporate social responsibility
He said that 22% of the total funds were being utilized on education purpose and that a greater percentage of funds would be alloted on the same in the coming days.
"The builders around the city must indulge in social concerns and must set aside a certain sum from their profit towards public welfare. As per the corporate social responsibility (CSR) norms, owners of the buildings which are more than 20,000 sq ft in area must set aside 2% of their total profit towards the society. These rules will be implemented more stringently. This will also be applied to ONGC-MRPV and other industries, and also these industries will be urged to focus more on health", said the mayor.
Maarla said that 2% had been kept aside for sports activities.
P B Harish Rai, president of DK District Working Journalists' Union and Srinivas Nayak, secretary were also present.