The Kochi Corporation proposes to free the city roads from potholes through regular monitoring and repair of roads. The annual budget of the Kochi Corporation, presented by Deputy Mayor B. Bhadra, has earmarked Rs. 2 crore for the project and announced a monitoring committee consisting of the Deputy Mayor, the Works Standing Committee Chairman and the Opposition leader for the job.
The local body plans to venture into drinking water distribution by setting up a bottled water plant. Christened Kochi Water, the local body has suggested using the water produced from the Maradu water treatment plant for the project. The water project will be implemented with the support of the SCMS Water Institute, according to the budget speech. An international convention centre has been proposed at Cheranalloor. The project will be implemented with the support of the State government and NRI investors. The modality of the implementation and management will be decided through consultations, said Ms. Bhadra in her budget speech.
With the e-governance programme all set to be launched, the local body announced its decision to go for M-governance. M-governance will help in city dwellers to access through mobile phones many of the services offered by the local body. Discussions will be held with various service providers for the implementation of the project during the current fiscal, announced Ms. Bhadra. The local body proposes to collect a fee from hotels and other commercial establishments for the collection and removal of refuse from their premises. The fee would be levied based on the quantity and weight of the refuse to be removed.
Mosquito control measures would get Rs.8 crore.
The modernisation and beautification of public places and parks would also get special attention from the local body. The lighting facility of the Subash Chandra Bose Park has been shifted to energy-efficient lighting system. Music corners would continuously play various types of music as part of the modified park. It has been proposed to prepare a master plan for the development and beautification of the Fort Kochi beach. The service of urban designers and landscape artists would be used for the project. The Deputy Mayor has earmarked Rs.1 crore for the project.
Solar panels would be made mandatory for public buildings while taking forward the solar city project for which the Centre has released funds, she announced.
The budget speech also highlighted the projects that were implemented by the local body during its term.
