They will take all possible steps to ensure the revival of the traditional industries in Kollam, the newly elect MLAs of the district have said.
Finding lasting solutions to the drinking water problem will also be one of their priorities, the MLAs said, while interacting with the media at a programme organised by the Kollam Press Club on Tuesday.
Out of the 11 MLAs from the district, seven attended the programme. They are J. Mercykutty (Kundara and Minister-designate), K. Raju (Punalur and Minister-designate), R. Rammachandran (Karunagapally), N. Vijayan Pillai (Chavara), G.S. Jayalal (Chathannur), M. Nosuhad (Eravipuram), and Aisha Potty (Kottarakara).
In her address Ms. Mercykutty said her top priority would be to put pressure for the reopening of all the factories under the management of the Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation.
Cashew workers
The effort from the side of the government would be to provide maximum days of work to the cashew workers.
The problems of the fishing sector too would be properly addressed.
Measures would be taken to tap the tourism potential of the district coastal and high range areas, and serious consideration would be given to developing the Kerala side of the Kollam-Thirumangalam National Highway into a four-lane route.
Mr. Raju said his priority would be to ensure that the promises made in the LDF manifesto become a reality.
Steps would be taken to find solution for the problems faced by the plantations sector of the district. Steps would be taken to address the issues of the farmers.
He said that uncompromising probe would be launched into all the corruption charges alleged against the previous UDF government.
Mr. Ramachandran said that the new LDF government was committed to ensure that the expectations of the people in the government were not belied. The revival of the cashew sector would be taken by discussing issues with all concerned. The potential of the mineral sector would be fully tapped.
Ms. Potti said the link road project in Kottarakara would be speeded up as part of the measures to find solutions to the traffic problems in the township.
Drinking water
Solving the drinking water problem in the district would be one of her priorities and the handloom sector would receive special attention.
Mr. Jayalal said the overall development of Chathannur would top his chart of plans. This would be achieved through improving the basis facilities and addressing the immediate requirements of the people.
Mr. Noushad said that his priority would be for the health sector and measures would be taken to promote organic farming in his constituency and the district too. For development projects, the cooperation and involvement of all concerned would be sought.
Mr. Vijayan Pillai said that solving the drinking water problem of Chavara would be his top priority.
The mineral sector at Chavara had come to a standstill and steps would be taken to develop the activities of the Indian Rare Earths and the Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited. He said he expected the State government to support these programmes. The cancer palliative centre at Chavara would be upgraded to a full-fledged cancer centre.
