KOCHI: Civic administrators are racing against time to set up toilets in and around Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, the venue of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
Though the deadline for installing 33 toilets for players and officials is Thursday, the civic administration is yet to complete paperwork on it. It has now sought time till Monday to complete the job.
The FIFA authorities had insisted that the work should be completed by Thursday as entry to the venue would be regulated after that.
Meanwhile, the corporation has called a special council meeting on Thursday to clear the proposal for installing toilets. It has also floated tender for which an agency has quoted ₹15 lakh.
Holidays
“Though the three days after Thursday are State government holidays, the agency has offered to complete the work during the days to keep the deadline,” said V.K. Minimol, chairperson of the health standing committee of the civic body. Any work worth above ₹ 1 lakh has to be cleared by the corporation council. After obtaining the clearance, the work order will be issued, she added. Meanwhile, the corporation has expressed its apprehension that it may not get back the money it spends on toilets.
Initially, it was suggested that the funds released for the Swachh Bharat Mission project should be utilised for setting up toilets. However, the corporation had released nearly 80% of funds for various schemes.
It is now left with the option of using funds from the Plan Fund. Since there is not much time left, the civic body will spend from its own pocket and try to get the sum reimbursed by State government, said Ms. Minimol.
One Million Goal
Former Athlete and Arjuna awardee Mercy Kuttan inaugurated the One Million Goal programme in the run-up to the FIFA Under-17 World Cup by hitting the first goal on Wednesday. P. Vijayan, Inspector General of Police, Kochi Range, was present.
