There are indications of GVMC getting World Bank assistance under cyclone reconstruction project. The total loss suffered in GVMC due to cyclone Hudhud is estimated at Rs.2,165 crore.
Part of the restoration expenditure under water supply and roads is included for rural areas in National Disaster Relief Fund but urban areas are not covered, according to Municipal Commissioner Pravin Kumar.
GVMC has so far spent Rs.15 crore on cyclone relief works and continues to spend but received only Rs.7.5 crore .
The city was battered by the cyclone as landfall had occurred in the city.
A World Bank team had already visited the city. The Chief Minister’s office is dealing with the issue of assistance to the city for reconstruction.
The issue of urban areas not getting relief was also taken to the notice of the Parliamentary Panel that visited the city during week-end.
LED lights
Mr. Pravin Kumar told reporters on Monday that the final agreement on LED streetlights had not been entered into. The agreement would in no way compromise on the financial status of the GVMC, he said.
The corporation has been spending Rs.17 crore on power bills and Rs.7 crore on maintenance every year. The idea is to save on power conservation up to 50 per cent which goes to Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a PSU.
Referring to the bad shape of roads, he said Reliance was putting 4G cables for a length of 220 km and paid in advance Rs.28 crore for restoration. But it would take time for consolidation after the cables were laid.
The company would complete the job by the end of the month after which work on roads would be taken up.
