Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Jul 20: “I will not allow them to install defective water meters as consumers are paying double the tariffs. Who will pay for this? Remove all the meters first and fix the old one. I have experienced your performance in the Varahi water project. This is not the way of working. Why are you troubling the common public?” Raghupathi Bhat took Varahi project engineers to task for installing defective water metres.
He was speaking at the general body meeting of City Municipality Council Udupi held at Sathyamurthy memorial auditorium here on Wednesday, July 20.
He further said that, “Varahi pipeline work is not going on professionally. There are no standards and what is the meaning of accuracy?” Bhat questioned KUIDFC engineers.
“I suggested fixing of smart water meters to provide water 24*7 as it reads the air release before water flow. Who will pay money for the air? Consumers are complaining about the meter issue. As a result of this, consumers will be charged double the amount. Now, most people have been facing the same problem since the last two to three months.
“I noticed that the main roads which were laid recently were flooded following the rainfall, thus shows the quality of workmanship. Let us make a resolution to take serious action against contractors, PWD and send a letter to government regarding the poor quality of work undertaken by the contractor and not clear his bills, MLA Bhat said sternly to the CMC officials.
Sundar J Kalmady, ward councilor and many others raised the topic of faulty water meters.
In the question hour, councilors expressed concern over the traffic and parking woes in the city.
Traffic SI Abdul Khadar said, “if CMC decides to set up a pay and park system near the service bus stand, it will be better as it will generate revenue for the council. There is no proper system to park vehicles in the city. Traffic police are unable to look after these issues all the time. Street vendors and hand carts also add to the smooth flow of traffic. Some traders sold vegetables on footpaths. If we start controlling them it would be termed as harassment. CMC officials have to ensure that they are evacuated. Old advertising billboards and banners are causing accidents.
Abdul Khadar said construction work on NH 66 and NH 169A is unscientific as there are no service roads thereby causing a rise in road accidents. “We have brought this issue to the notice of the government. Even the Deputy Commissioner has given a warning to National Highway Authority of India, but they don’t seem to care. There are no street lights between the Kalsanka and Indrali and along Ambagilu-Ashiurvad stretch which shows the ignorance of the authority.
Sumithra Nayak, president, CMC, Uday Kumar, Commissioner and Lakshmi Manju Kola, vice-president were present.