Bonhomie marks end of corporators’ term

Keeping aside political affiliations, issues and differences, a certain bonhomie prevailed. As the terrace lawns of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Hyderabad (GHMC) played host to the gathering, there was backslapping and compliments and ‘will stay in touch’ exchanged.

A day before the five-year term of the elected body of GHMC ends, the civic body organised a farewell for the 150 corporators including the Mayor Mohammed Majid Hussain and Deputy Mayor G. Rajkumar on Tuesday. Exchange of pleasantries among themselves and with the officials and staff later, the corporators occupied the specially erected multi-level dais for a group photo session.

Looking back at their five-year term, some listed out accomplishments and others rued at not being able to deliver services for voters who had elected them. Mr. Majid Hussain, who occupied the Mayor’s seat for the last three years, said he was happy and satisfied at all the good works they could do together.

“We have pulled the civic body out of financial crisis and having started three years ago with no funds, today we are extremely comfortable with revenues,” he said.

TDP floor leader, Singireddy Srinivas Reddy expressed dissatisfaction at the way the council managed affairs for the last five years and failed to address issues that concern citizens. “Our tenure ends on a disappointed note with little achievement whether it is roads, nalas or libraries or grave yards. We did not do much,” he rued.

Common man’s problems were not reflected in the council affairs in the last five years, lamented BJP floor leader Bangari Prakash. “We did not meet every three months as required but in entire tenure met only 14 times as against 17 times by earlier council and almost 50 meetings held by the elected body of 1986-91,” he said.

Congress floor leader Mohd.Wajid Hussain cited issues with contractors that resulted in delays for most of the works. “Because of the attitude of contractors, construction of community halls and RO water plants has not been completed so far,” he complained.

The Deputy Mayor, Rajkumar, said the civic body in the last three years did its best to improve amenities in the city and was largely successful. “We received good support and help from the officials including three Commissioners,” he said.