Pics: Ramesh Pandith / Johnas Sequeira
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Feb 28: Health minister U T Khader on Sunday February 28 inaugurated the newly-built fish market at Naguri here.

Addressing the gathering, Khader said, "Construction of small markets in rural areas is essential to reduce the hassle in big markets in the city due to overcrowding. The city is growing and such small markets in different parts are essential. I thank the MLA, the corporator and the mayor for making our dream come true.

"It was back in 2004 when the citizens of this locality came to my father (then MLA the late U T Fareed) and placed a demand for a market in this locality. The project was initiated under the MLA fund but since our government was not in power in the city corporation, it could not be completed. But today because of the efforts of the MLA, the corporator and the mayor it is complete. I wish this market is beneficial to every resident of this region," he added.

Corporator Praveen Chandra Alva said, "We have to remember the late U T Fareed who had initiated this project. Our MLA has made a resolution that he will not rest until he develops Mangaluru completely. The funds under SFC and 14th Finance Commission were given to city wards but now the funds are given to extended wards as well. Our MLA is focused on developing the rural areas too. The grants are distributed to rural areas too irrespective of the political affiliation of the local corporator. His main focus is to develop the city without any politics. "

Mangaluru south MLA J R Lobo in his presidential address said, "I acknowledge the efforts of former MLA U T Fareed who had initiated this project. I urge the Mangaluru City Corporation to complete the formalities at the earliest, so that the public can reap the benefit of this market. We are coming up with markets in different places as a part of cleanliness drive. Previously fish and vegetables were sold on the roadside. To make it more hygienic and hassle-free for the public, such markets are being constructed.

"We want the rural areas in Mangaluru city also to get all the benefits that people in the city get. They too are entitled to get the same benefits as they too pay the same amount of tax. We have distributed grants to all the areas irrespective of which party's corporators represent the area. We have given funds to all the rural wards like Kannur, Jeppinamogaru, Maroli, Kankanady B wards under SFC and 14th Finance Commission. Roads worth Rs 3 crore have been constructed in Jeppinamogaru ward represented by non-Congress corporator. So I want to make it clear that we do not do any politics in development. Our aim is to develop the Mangaluru south completely. I want to assure you that I will do my best to develop this city completely," he added.

Congress south block president Balakrishna Shetty along MLA J R Lobo inaugurated the newly constructed concrete road constructed at the cost of Rs 10 lac.

Mayor Jacintha Vijay Alfred, corporator Asha D'silva, Sabitha Misquith, Keshav Maroli and others were present