MANGALORE: In next three years, Mangalore city will be developed into a model city in terms of basic infrastructure, said J R Lobo, city South MLA on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters here, Lobo said Asian Development Bank (ADB) will soon sanction Rs 320 crore loan to complete pending projects which were taken under ADB 1.0. The ADB had given about Rs 250 crore for the UGD and drinking water supply in 2003.
“Though the works were to be completed in 2007, many are still pending,” he said. Second phase of work, which will be completed in three years, will start soon. “The second phase of ADB assisted project is aimed at supplying drinking water, underground drainage system to uncovered areas and renovation of markets dotting the city,” he said.
“The UGD in many areas have collapsed and required reconstruction. To reconstruct drainage and to build new UGD, state government will sanction Rs 150 crore soon,” he said. The project will be completed in next three years, added Lobo.
Lobo, former commissioner, Mangalore City Corporation, said water leakage level in the city is around 35 per cent and efforts will be made to reduce it to less than seven per cent. We are planning to provide water connection to nearly one lakh households at a cost of Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 each, he said. Government will sanction Rs 170 crore soon for the project, he added.
In addition to this, Central, Kadri, Kankanady, Urwa and Alape markets will be improved, said Lobo. “We are mulling to reconstruct old bus stand with a three-storey parking facility,” he added.
Licence for buildings
Now, people can approach Mangalore City Corporation directly to obtain licence for buildings in city limits. “An officer of the rank of joint commissioner has been appointed at MCC to peruse building licence applications and issue the same,” said Lobo. Earlier, in order to obtain licence for buildings in city limits, people had to approach Mangalore Urban Development Authorities, which would be later sent to MCC for approval. EOM/August 21, 2013
Courtesy: Times of India