Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Oct 1: As a decision about the further contract process relating to the solid waste disposal process of the city corporation has not yet been finalised, this city corporation has decided to extend the contract period of Antony Waste Handling Cell Pvt Ltd by one year.

This decision was taken at the general session of Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) council held at Mangala auditorium of the city corporation on Thursday September 30. The seven-year contract with the company ends on January 31, 2022. It has been decided to extend the same from February 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023. It was also decided to send a proposal for the approval of an estimated maximum amount of Rs 52.04 crore to the director of municipal administration.

The mayor said that the issue of reduction in water rate, proper distribution of water bills, and implementation of water adalat decisions etc have been discussed with the directorate of municipal administration and shortly a decision on reducing water rate will be taken. He said that income from non-residential commerce and industry sectors has been in excess of the government estimate and therefore, reduction of water rate will not affect the finances of the corporation.

A proposal seeking the approval of the council for developing an app through KEONICS for digitizing property tax and making the payment facility online was moved. The corporation plans to facilitate payment of property tax online like the building licence, shop licence, water bill etc for the convenience of the people

Corporator Kiran Kumar said that street vendors’ survey is being conducted without bringing it to the notice of the corporators. Corporation commissioner Akshy Sridhar said that after the survey, identity cards will be issued after the committee on street vendors discusses the matter. He instructed the officials to inform the local corporators when undertaking survey in advance.

Corporator Vinayaraj expressed the suspicion that the firm from Bengaluru which has bagged the contract for fitting LED street lights may not complete the work within the deadline of December 31, considering the slow pace of the work. The mayor said that already a meeting on the issue was held and the matter of hastening the work will be discussed again with the concerned.

Deputy mayor Sumangala Rao, standing committee chairpersons Lokesh Bollaje, Sandeep, Shobha Rajesh and Leelavathi were present.