Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Dec 16: It has been about a year since the new market yard was built at Santhekatte here. The market is new and spacious but even before it could start functioning, people say it has become unusable because of various defects.

The inaugural of the market was pending for a long time. It was inaugurated on Saturday. But the market has not been shifted to the new building from its current location by the side of the highway. The market is currently functioning on the road and footpath near Santhekatte junction.

The new building of the market has been built on a spacious land opposite Mount Rosary Church in Gopalpura ward. The market has been built in 17,500 sq ft area at a cost of Rs 99.5 lac with high platforms and concrete floor for the convenience of traders and the public. At a time over 85 people can sit and conduct their business. Even though there are facilities for the people and the vendors, the toilet here has been posing a huge problem.

The pipe carrying rainwater has broken. The toilet is in a despicable state. Pipes connecting the commode have been broken. Window glasses have been shattered. As there is no water connection, the toilet used without water has turned into a virtual hell.

President Udupi municipality Sumitra Nayak, says that some minor works need to be attended at the market and that the new market will become functional from January 1. She said that the contractor would be told to set right the rainwater pipe, toilet etc. Zilla panchayat member Janardan Tonse, wants the basic amenities including the toilet to be repaired and water facility to be provided for the traders.