Uplifting slums is her priority

A mosaic of households, both upper middle class and economically poor, this newly carved ward is plagued by inefficient garbage disposal, acute water shortage and sewage issues. According to R Manjunath, a resident, apart from the drainage and sewage problems, delay in construction of an underpass at Lingarajapuram flyover has also been causing inconvenience to the residents.

“Schoolchildren and elderly citizens find it difficult to cross the railway track. With the acute water problem, transporting drinking water from public taps in other areas has become difficult without the underpass,” he said.

Apathy

But, according to the ward corporator, Lavanya Reddy, getting the engineers to work is tough. Their apathy clearly indicated the differences in the parties, she said. “Implementation of the projects for uplifting the slums will be given priority. Five borewells have been sanctioned so far, but they are not adequate. Projects to develop the ward will be taken up in the first session of the Palike,” Lavanya said.

She said efforts are being made to ensure that the water connections are provided, efficient garbage disposal system and construction of drainage systems are in place before the monsoon. Contract workers and pourakarmikas were not doing their duties in the ward, she lamented adding that implementing a uniform garbage disposal system is also on her agenda.

Profile

Lavanya Reddy
corporator,
Party: Congress
Personal details : Married, one daughter
Qualification: B Arch
 
On the action plan for the ward.

To address the acute water scarcity is the first priority. We are looking for active participation from the residents welfare associations to combat the existing water shortage and the inefficient garbage disposal system.

On the challenges and issues that require immediate attention?

The challenges are desilting the drains and being prepared for the monsoons. Building and restoring the drainages before the monsoon is the immediate task. Provision of water connections is another important priority.

City voices

R Manjunath, resident: “The officials are not approachable and hence the works are not completed on time. Engineers do not respond when approached and the BWSSB officials simply do not care. Despite Abhishek’s death, the government has not repaired the storm water drain.”

Ganesh Reddy, resident: “Getting water connection to the houses is the biggest challenge here. The BWSSB officials’ apathy is making people to struggle for drinking water. The depositing of silt too is a major concern as we do not want a repeat of the Abhishek incident.”

Cheryl, employee, Divya Shanthi Trust: “The garbage disposal is the biggest concern in the ward. Awareness among residents to cooperate with the BBMP is required. A check on the health aspects is another concern following the dengue death here last year.”