A modern hi-tech fish market, several community halls and public toilets constructed using funds from government and through borrowings from financial institutions are left idle for years exposing the chinks in proper planning of such infrastructure projects.
The air-conditioned two-storey modern fish market spread over 37,000 square feet was constructed by the Project Implementation Agency under the tsunami rehabilitation programme with a World Bank assistance of ₹13.5 crore. Even after the inauguration of the project, some five years ago, only six of the total 110 stalls are occupied by the vendors.
Data gathered from government sources reveal that community halls at Suthukeny, Thondamanatham, Villianur, Beema Rao Nagar in Sompet and Murugan Koil Street in Orleanpet have remained shut for several years leading. Some of these structures are now ill-maintained.
Similarly, there are public toilets at Ambedkar Nagar in Ariankuppam, Kurusukuppam, Mariamman Koil Street in Velrampet, Murungapakkam, Muthialpet, Thiruvalluvar Salai Junction and Kunichampet which remained unutilised as local bodies have failed to appoint persons for manning them.
As far as the state of modern fish market is concerned, the government had held several rounds of talks with fish vendors but they are reluctant to shift their business to the new facility citing lack of accessibility.
“On most days, there will be six to seven vendors. Today (Thursday) we are only two selling fish. We do get buyers but only if the entire market starts functioning will more people come,” said Chinna Seena, a resident of Kuruchikuppam. She said there have been talks of opening a vegetable market inside the complex.
Wasted funds, efforts
According to S. Gokul, a resident of Rainbow Nagar, who frequents the fish market, it is a very hygienic place to buy fish but still people are not using the facility. “Maybe, people are looking for more vendors to come. Ideally, the government should open the space meant for the hotel inside the premises to sell vegetables. So, more people will start using the facility. Otherwise, it will be a colossal waste of public money,” he said.
An official said prior consultations were held with fishermen association but even then some of them had expressed strong reservation against constructing the facility on the ECR. “Instead of the government trying to shift fish vendors from the Goubert Market, attempts should be made to encourage those selling fish in Lawspet area to operate from the modern market,” he said.
The case of community halls and public toilets are entirely different, said a retired government official who was partly involved in the execution of modern fish market project. Most of the community halls are constructed without conducting any viability study.
Before embarking on such projects, the community should have been involved in the planning stage itself. But in most cases, it is the elected representative who decides on the project, he said. Public toilets were not properly maintained. Ultimately the structure gets dilapidated, he said.
Presently, public toilets at Thengai Thittu Street, Maducarai Road in Abishegapakkam, Hospital Street in Thavalakuppam, Pothyamman Koil Street in Abishegapakkam, T. N Palayam Road in Abishegapakkam, and Ambedkar Street in Abishegapakkam are in a poor condition as they have not been used or maintained.
Remedial measures must
Pointing out that public money should be spent diligently, chartered accountant and resident of Elango Nagar, R. Suresh said residents are already feeling the pinch of increase in electricity charge, water tariff and imposing of garbage tax.
“The revenue so generated are invested in public utility buildings, but they are unutilised or non-functional. A preliminary survey should have been conducted before the selection of locations about feasibility, pros and cons, etc.
At least now, a survey should be conducted and remedial measures taken to make these facilities functional or generate rental income. The maintenance of public utilities may be outsourced to private parties with a control on them to ensure they do not fleece the public,” he added.
Every citizen has a right to know how wisely the tax paid was utilised, he added.
According to a senior official, the local representatives should come out with ideas on how to utilise the community halls. They should consider involving self help group members in utilising the facility for some income generating ventures.
Only through community involvement could the buildings be made functional, the official added.
