A meeting of the board of directors of SmartCity Kochi has decided to launch the first phase construction of the project within four months.
At the first meeting held in Dubai on Tuesday, the promoters of the project assured the government representatives to complete the project within five years if all necessary clearances were forthcoming.
Clearing uncertainty over the role of Abdullatif al Mulla, who moved on from Tecom Investments to take charge as the business development director of Dubai Holding, the meeting clarified that he would continue to hold charge of the project. But the role of Dubai Holding in the project is yet to be clear.
Recruitments in connection with the project are likely to be completed within six months. It is learned that people from India will be given prominence in recruitments.
The pavilion at the project site will be developed into a full-fledged office.
The office will be fully functional within two months and will have various wings dealing with law, corporate affairs, corporate relations, and contract.
Tecom will appoint a special chief executive in Kochi, who will be the link between Tecom and the State government. The new CEO is coming in place of Fareed Abdulrahman who had vacated the post some time back.
Presiding over the meeting, Industries and IT Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty said Special Economic Zone status for the project would be secured shortly.
The main building complex spread over 3.5 lakh sq.ft and a parking space with 1.5 lakh sq.ft will be constructed in the first phase.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Kunhalikutty, IT Principal Secretary P.H. Kurian, industrialist M.A. Yusuffali and SmartCity (India) managing director Baju George.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy also talked to Tecom representatives over the phone during the meeting.
