Hopes going down the drain here

The ward and the neighbouring area are known as Kote region, as they are believed to have once been under the Palegars. Several age-old buildings and temples are part of this ward, the most important being the Chennakeshava and the Eshwara temples.

There is also an Ashwatthakatte, although work on the surrounding park is yet to be completed.

Basic amenities in the ward, however, are lacking in the ward. Except along the minor streets, work on the drainage system in the ward has been completed.

But work on the drains has wrecked the roads and re-asphalting is required. Public taps are installed adjacent to the drains. Most of the open drains are right outside the houses. People fear the breeding of diseases-causing mosquitoes in large numbers, leading to health problems. Also, in many places, only stones slabs have been used to cover the drains. There is also no proper system to dispose garbage in the ward.

Water shortage is another problem the ward is facing. As many as eight borewells were dug in the area, but only two of them work. “Until every house is provided water connection and water is supplied from the Jakkalamadugu reservoir there will be no end to the problem of drinking water shortage.” The residents suggest building the drainage system by using cement blocks.

‘District administration should respond to problems’

S M Rafique has won the CMC elections four times consecutively, contesting from the Anjuman Arabic School Ward. He is an ex-vice-president of the CMC.

Rafique told Deccan Herald that the money provided from the Chief Minister’s fund and the CMC treasury was utilised to provide drainage system in the ward. However, shortage of funds forced them to lay drains on only one side of the ward.

“I intend to ensure completion of the work using the funds granted this year. ­Roads will be asphalted and street lights will be installed in the ward,” he promised. “There is a plan to convert the Ashwatthakatte into a park. If funds are provided, we will develop the park,” Rafique said.

He said development work in the city can be completed if the district administration worked in tandem with the CMC.