KOCHI: A special council meeting of the Kochi Corporation on Thursday decided to rope in a private agency to ensure the highest level of sanitation in the city during the course of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup matches to be held next month.
The civic body, among other things, has been entrusted with the upkeep of the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, practice grounds, and other locations. Addressing the meeting, Mayor Soumini Jain said the agency to be selected would be in charge of ensuring cleanliness of major roads and streets near the venue as well as hotels where players would be put up.
Meanwhile, the construction of 33 toilets near the stadium has commenced. “The construction, at an estimated cost of ₹14.60 lakh using funds from the Swachh Bharat Mission, will be over shortly,” Ms. Jain said. The meeting also decided to deploy more health workers, besides completing the repair of city roads at the earliest.
Town Planning Committee chairperson Shiny Mathew said officials had been directed to ensure that all illegal billboards were removed. Instead, hoardings welcoming teams and players will be erected at select locations.
As regards beautification, major landmarks and buildings, including the Corporation Office and Town Hall, will be illuminated. Private firms will be requested to participate in the beautification process, Ms. Jain said.
Food Safety officials will conduct special drives to ensure that the food being served at hotels and eateries is safe. Besides, the scope for night shopping, especially on Broadway, during the course of the event will be explored in consultation with the chamber of commerce.
