Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Mar 11: The construction of the deputy commissioner's office complex being built at Padil in the city has entered the fourth year. The initial estimate of Rs 41 crore has now escalated and crossed Rs 50 crore mark. As grants are not being released promptly, the work is moving at a slow pace.

Works started during March 2018. Karnataka Housing Board has been entrusted with the construction work. As per the contract rules, the first phase should have been completed by September 16, 2019. During the three years, 80 to 90 per cent of work has been completed. Civil work is expected to be completed in about two months. Officials feel that electrification and other works might take six more months.

The government has released the initial grant of Rs 30 crore. The remaining Rs 11 crore has to be released by various departments like health, labour, minor irrigation etc which will have offices in this complex. These departments are delaying the release of funds citing various reasons. The remaining amount has to be paid by the government. The government also has to give permission for some changes in the structural designs.

This building is coming up in 5.8 acres of land, spread over 2.26 lac square feet. This complex will also house offices of the district in-charge minister, MP and MLAs. A huge hall will be located on the ground floor which can accommodate 400 people. Provision for about 50 cars and over a hundred two-wheelers have been made in the parking lot. 70 cars can be parked around the structure. The complex will also have a bank, ATM, canteen, post office and police outpost.

District in-charge minister, Kota Srinivas Poojary, said that because of coronavirus issues, the release of grants has been delayed and that the works will be completed as soon as possible.