Mangaluru: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) is still not sure about the completion of city Town Hall, which was expected to be ready by February-end. As of now, the renovation work has been completely stalled, after Nirmiti Kendra backed out from its responsibility, claiming the department had no ‘technical hand’. The issue was raised during the general body meeting of MCC here on Tuesday.
When Premanand Shetty, councilor asked to set a deadline to complete the renovation work of Town Hall, mayor Mahabala Marla responded rather negatively, saying ‘It is less likely to be completed, until my tenure is over’.
Mayor further said that the work on Town Hall was expected to be ready by December 29. Earlier, the budget was Rs 1 crore. However, later we all agreed to give total facelift by altering interior design as well, with the total cost expected to touch Rs. 3.5 crore. The Nirmithi Kendra which took up the work backed out saying that their department had no technical hand. The work amounting Rs 70 lakh is over, he added. Presently, the chairs are kept outside the hall for repair. Since then, no programmes have been organised in the venue.
Meanwhile, few councilor countered saying Nirmithi Kendra has taken up works which is more than Rs 20 crore, in the corporation limits. But, it is backing out from the work we have entrusted to them, thereby it has put us to shame. Hence, the majority of the councilor asked to pass a ruling against Nirmiti Kendra. Subsequently, mayor passed a ruling that the department will be barred from any civil work from the corporation.
Earlier, MCC commissioner Hephsiba Rani Korlapati said that she had paid a visit to the Town Hall, soon after she took over the charge. She asked for ten days to come out with an action plan. Another councilor felt that ten days of time was not necessary as the blue print was ready. Commissioner said that she would come out with proper action plan at the earliest.
Premanand Shetty, councilor felt that the work on Town Hall will not be completed soon. Hence, he asked the mayor to hold a talk with ministers and MLA’s on the issue.
