Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (TDS)

Mangaluru, May 1: Former Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo refuted Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyas Kamath’s allegation against him that he is the reason for water scarcity in the city during as he was the director of KUDSEMP. He said that Kamath was making false statements which are baseless and challenged him saying “If the current administration proves that the project related to water, planned in my tenure was below standards, I will quit politics.”

Lobo was addressing the media on Wednesday, May 1.

“I would like to know what MLA Vedavyas has done during his tenure besides holding press meets and blaming me for everything. He should issue statements after having knowledge pertaining to the subject and also should speak truth. The first phase of water project costing Rs 160 crore was implemented with the help ADB. I am ready to leave politics if Kamath proves that there was misuse of funds. Is he ready to resign if the allegations against us are proven wrong?”

Responding to Kamath’s question as to what Congress leaders have done in the council during their tenure, Lobo listed his accomplishments and challenges faced while undertaking multiple projects. Coming down heavily on the opposition for taking credit for his accomplishments, Lobo addressing the media took credit for the Thumbay vented dam project where he said that his government was instrumental in raising the water storage level from 4 meters to 6 meters in the dam. He also took credit for increasing the water supply to Mangaluru city from 80 MLD to 160 MLD.

Lobo also addressed the water shortage problem and said, “The water that enters the city looses 20% due to villages around the supply pipes illegally obtaining that water and another 30% is lost due to leakages in the pipes and other technical issues. Finally only 50% of the water enters the city,"

Lobo said that if the water is well regulated and proper systems are implemented by meeting the village panchayats and working alternatives for them to avail waters and repairing of the pipes, up to 40% of the water lost during the transit could be retained. By this, though 10% of the water loss is unavoidable and by implementing certain strategies, almost 90% of the water could reach the city. Then the city will not have any water shortage.

Congress leaders K Bhaskar Moily, Harinath and others were present.