Paucity of funds is blocking the implementation of development projects approved by the district planning committee (DPC) in the district, a meeting of the DPC was informed on Monday.
Expressing concern at the situation, the DPC meeting appealed to the government to immediately make available World Bank assistance for projects prepared by the district’s 75 grama panchayats and two municipalities for 2013-14. The grama panchayats had submitted 932 projects estimated at Rs.20,29,64,000 and Koilandy and Vadakara municipalities submitted 52 projects which would need Rs.1,67,35,000.
District panchayat president Kanathil Jameela told the meeting that the timely implementation of projects was being affected for want of funds. Shortage of engineers and overseers was another obstacle. A meeting of engineers in local bodies would be convened soon. While reviewing the progress of projects for 2013-2014, it was pointed out that Maniyur, Kuruvattoor, Chorode, Feroke, Velam, Kavilumpara, Olavanna, Chelannur, Azhiyoor, Vilyapally, Kottoor, Changaroth, Kayakodi, Chemancherry, and Chegottukavu panchayats had achieved only 30 per cent of the target. The authorities of these local bodies were told to improve performance. Panchayats were told to prepare development plans keeping in mind the requirements for the next 20 years. Ms. Jameela said the failure of officials to attend DPC meetings would be brought to the government’s attention.
