Several companies are taking the lead in public-private partnership in Tambaram municipality to ensure better maintenance of toilets, parks and other basic amenities.
Hospitals, banks and voluntary organisations have plunged in to contribute to the ‘social sector’ of this local body.
The Muthurangam park, which for decades had been neglected, was recently spruced up into an open space with water fountains, walkers’ pathway and appealing murals. After the completion of the project with public funds, the park is now being looked after by staff of a Hindu Mission Hospital.
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The maintenance of ‘Namma Toilet’ on Doraisamy Street, West Tambaram, has been taken up by IDBI Bank. Likewise, a park in East Tambaram is being maintained by a private company, VAS Media, while the community kitchen in Selaiyur is being maintained by Bank of Baroda.
Further, the maintenance of a wood gas-fired crematorium in West Tambaram is being partially carried out by a voluntary agency of Hindu Mission Hospital. Auto Drivers’ Association of East Tambaram maintains a toilet at East Tambaram.
Senior officials of the department of municipal administration and water supply said with the ban on recruitment of staff at various levels, especially the lower rungs, they had no other option but to invite the participation of voluntary organisations and private companies.
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However, the government has instructed that all the facilities falling under private-public partnership be made accessible to the public free of cost.