The GHMC has promised to provide improved and safe road conditions for citizens and also double the budget for roads and other works taken up in the city in the New Year. Other assurances include improved amenities and a simplified building permission process.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Mayor Mohammed Majid Hussain and GHMC Commissioner Somesh Kumar outlined the plans aimed at bettering the bad road conditions that have been causing hardships to citizens and said criminal cases were being contemplated against contractors and also officials responsible, who fail to restore the roads immediately after digging them up.
Instead of ‘temporary’, a comprehensive project to better 53 identified road stretches to start with has been prepared, said the Mayor.
“Damages and problems on these stretches have been identified. We will take up works to provide lasting solutions,” Mr. Somesh Kumar said. The municipal corporation is spending on an average Rs.600 crore per year for various works and it should be doubled to Rs.1,200 crore to ensure quality works, he said.
Mr.Hussain said taking over the roads belonging to the R&B Department is being pursued to ensure good road conditions in all areas.
Conceding that a majority of the grievances from citizens pertained to town planning, Mr. Somesh Kumar said the initiative to simplify processes of the wing was already on and an online facility for town planning activities would be launched soon.
“If we delay a grievance or are unable to resolve it, we have the responsibility to inform the complainant about the reasons and close the case,” he said. Asked about the status of statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and YSR that have remained in the veil for the last three years in the head office, Mr.Hussain said the issue was referred to the government on removing them.
