Pics: Daya Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Sep 30: Heated exchange of words took place between Congress and opposition BJP corporators over the issue of Mangaluru city being chosen for Smart City here at Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) on Thursday September 29.
Smart city selection
In a meeting presided over by mayor Harinath, opposition party leader Roopa D Bangera said that Mangaluru being chosen as Smart City is really pride for city and congratulated the representatives who are responsible for it. While responding to this, former mayor Mahabala Marla said “Mangaluru should have been selected in first phase, but it was not selected. It is said that there is no politics in selection of Smart Cities and they are selected on eligibility. But now some are saying that it has been selected out of political pressure. Has not Mangaluru been selected on eligibility?”
Opposition party leaders who opposed this said "Do not try to pick politics in the selection of smart city. Now it has been already selected. Now do implement this project for the development of the city."
MLC Ivan D' Souza speaking on this occasion said "Smart City project will be implemented with the equal amount of grant by the state and union government. Politics is not good in this issue. Politicians should take up the challenge to bring the additional grants. I will also try to bring the funds from the state government for the development of the city.”
On water problem
BJP corporator Diwakar said “MCC assured of giving drinking water for 24 hours a day, presently in wards like Dambel even once three days water is not provided .Corporator Aziz also raised water problem issue in Suratkal ward.
Mayor Harinath who spoke on this occasion said “Pathetically only 18% of water charges have been collected. And there is no proper water supply. Vented dam problem has also not been solved. There are 300 valve operators. They are paid salaries. When there is drinking water problem what are they doing sitting at the office? We do not want those engineers who cannot provide drinking water, send them home.”
Encroachments
BJP corporator Poornima squatting on the well of the house holding black placards said "MCC officials failed to clear encroachments on the footpaths in and around the markets which put pedestrians into problem without the foot paths.”
The situation in the meeting was not pleasant throughout and there was nothing ‘Smart’ there.