Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jul 4: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) is facing criticism for delaying the auction of the well-equipped Kadri Market, which has been ready for a long time.

The Kadri Market was completed two years ago, and if the building had been taken over from the contractor and auctioned by the MCC, it would have generated significant revenue. However, due to the lack of interest from officials and representatives, taxpayer money is being wasted.

The foundation stone for the project was laid on March 26, 2018, by then-MLA J R Lobo. The project was estimated to cost Rs 12.30 crore, but contractor Prabhakar Yeyyadi secured the contract for Rs 10.75 crore and began work on March 5, 2019. The work was supposed to be completed by August 5, 2020, but most of it was only finished in December 2022.

Preparations were made to inaugurate the market when Basavaraj Bommai was the chief minister. Maintenance and painting were carried out twice for the inauguration. On November 24, 2023, all preparations were in place for an inauguration by chief minister Siddaramaiah, but the programme was cancelled at the last moment.

The market features 36 shops in the cellar, with 26 shops on the ground and first floors. The second and third floors remain empty. Traders have expressed concerns about selling vegetables and fruits in the cellar.

The market includes two-wheeler and car parking in the lower and upper basements. The lower ground floor is designated for shops selling vegetables, fish, chicken, and other meat items. The upper ground floor houses a bank, a canteen, and other offices. The three upper floors are reserved for offices, which buyers can design as they wish.

Sudhir Shetty Kannur, the mayor of MCC, said, “Out of the 36 shops in the cellar, 20 will be retendered as only a single bid was received for them. For 16 shops, outsiders have bid. If they pay 5% more than the current bid, the shops will be allocated to them. The president of the standing committee has been instructed to make a decision after holding a meeting.”