Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 10: Addressing his last press meet as mayor of Mangalore City Corporation on Tuesday March 10, Mahabala Maarla whose term ends with the election of new mayor on March 12, listed out several projects that were taken up during his tenure of one year.

"The first phase of the process of computerising Mangalore City Corporation has been initiated and the job has been given to KEONICS governmental body. The project has also been discussed with the director and the staff," he said.

"MCC has also taken the initiative to install the E-toilets in various parts of the city like Nanthoor, Bejai and Lalbagh for commuters from various places. Already 90 percent of the work is in progress and will be completed soon. An advertising agency has been commissioned," he said.

He also said that to prevent theft of water, the MCC will soon install digital meters, beginning with industries on an experimental basis and later extending to commercial complexes and residential apartments. "Digital meters are ready, but this step will be implemented by the next mayor," he added.

"MCC has also taken the initiative to construct centres at Bunder to shelter destitutes during the night," he said.

He further said, "The blueprint for the construction of the city bus stand is ready and the project will to come up on an area of 7.5 acre. The next mayor and the MCC commissioner will seek grant from the government for the work. This project has already been discussed.

"Under the chief minister's special grant, out of 255 sanctioned works, 250 works worth Rs 95.89 crore have been completed. In its second phase, the government granted permission for 110 works, out of which 80 have been completed. The government sanctioned Rs 50 crore for the second phase out of which Rs 29.34 crore has been spent on various works.

"During 2013-2014, a sum of Rs 3843.45 lac was set aside under the 13th financial plan, and action plan was made for 138 works. Out of these, 31 projects have been completed at a cost of Rs 297.60 lac. A sum of Rs 946.36 lac was set aside for the year 2014-15, and 37 works have got approval," he informed.

During 2014-15, Rs 2,233.87 lac was sanctioned under the State Financial Commisson, out of which action plan for 123 works at a cost of Rs 1,496.69 lac was done. Among these, 42 works have been completed and Rs 194.27 lac spent.

"There are 81,783 water connections under MCC limits fetching an annual revenue of 36 crore. To provide drinking water to the city, work on vented dam at a cost of Rs 75.50 crore is in progress, and will be completed this year," he said.

He also said in that MCC has taken various initiatives to hold awareness programmes on malaria with the help of NGOs and school students.

"Various programmes of MCC have been effectively implemented for the benefit of the people in the city and the funds have been spent for its development," he added.

Maarla further said that he would continue to work for betterment of the city even when he is not the mayor.

Deputy mayor Kavita, Shashidar Hegde, Ashok D K, Ashok Shetty and others were present.