The Chennai Corporation on Monday acquired a range of new cleaning equipment, which includes an imported sand cleaning machine for sustaining the beauty of the Marina beach.
Speaking at a function organised to launch the facilities, Mayor M. Subramanian said that all equipment were procured at a cost of Rs.80.11 lakh. They would be an effective addition to the cleaning facilities already set up by the civic body at a cost of Rs.42 crore in the city.
The civic body had earlier hired a sand-cleaning machine from a private firm for keeping the Marina sands clean. With increase in the number of people gathering at the Marina, there is a need for better cleaning facility, he said. The new machine procured at Rs.32.67 lakh is capable of cleaning 15,000 sq.m area in an hour.
An automatic ticket vending machine at a cost of Rs.1.7 lakh was also inaugurated at the Marina Swimming pool for managing the large number of people who use the swimming pool in summer.
Three skid steer loaders to clean narrow lanes were also commissioned at a cost of Rs.26.52 lakh. Imported lawn mower, ride-on mechanical sweeper, tree pruner and hedge trimmer were some of the other equipment that have been acquired to keep the parks cleaner. Construction of two more public conveniences on the Marina and improvement works of the swimming pool would also be taken up shortly, said Mr.Subramanian. Corporation Commissioner Rajesh Lakhoni participated.
