A community hall constructed by the Cuddalore Municipality at Semmandalam in 2009 has remained locked for the past 11 years.
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About 1,000 colour television sets purchased by the erstwhile DMK government [2006-11] under its free colour TV scheme were stored in the premises. Though tokens were issued for the free TVs to local residents of Semmandalam and surrounding wards, they were not distributed due to the change of government in 2011, said residents.
Residents of the locality rued that while private wedding halls were making huge profits through rentals, the Cuddalore Municipality, having constructed a modern building, continued to keep it locked. The community hall has all facilities including a modern kitchen, dining hall and washrooms. The building was constructed in 2008.
When the community hall was inaugurated in 2009, it was touted to be a long-felt need of local residents. A few social gatherings including weddings were held. It was however, sealed in 2010, say residents.
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“Local residents have been denied the facility for the last 11 years. Though repeated representations were made to authorities to reopen the community hall, it has failed to evoke any response,” said B. Ramkumar, a resident.
A municipal official said the authorities were unable to use the facility as the Revenue Department had stocked the free TVs inside.
“We have asked them to remove the TVs and distribute them to government hospitals and other institutions. We have taken up the issue with the Revenue Divisional Officer,” the official said.
Residents wanted the premises to be spruced up and thrown open to the public as soon as possible.