Coimbatore Mayor promises development

Coimbatore Mayor R. Venkatachalam promised before a gathering of representatives of the trade and industry on Tuesday that he and the other elected members of the Coimbatore Corporation would provide a corruption-free civic administration.

Expectations


At a function organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Coimbatore, to felicitate him and Deputy Mayor N. Karthik, the Mayor said he and the other 71 members of the Council were aware of the people's expectations in terms of infrastructure development and a clean city.

"This time, we have got the best opportunity for development," the Mayor pointed out by referring to the funds for schemes that would come from the Central and State Governments under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.

Teamwork


Mr. Venkatachalam said a good teamwork seemed to evolving in the Corporation and this augured well for the city. Multi-tier parking facilities would be built to decongest roads.

This would be among the many infrastructure projects planned to improve the living conditions in the city. "We are aware that good roads are needed if economic activities have to increase in the city."

Mr. Venkatachalam reached out to the trade and industry saying that the Corporation would invite their suggestions for the city's development.

"We have no ego. Experts in each sector can give good suggestions. We have risen from the grassroots. So, we know the common man's problems," he said.

The Mayor jocularly said that each shawl presented to him and the Deputy Mayor at the function actually seemed like a representation on every problem in the city.

On members of the industry working for clean environs and to protect water bodies, Mr. Venkatachalam observed that these people could have focussed on their business alone. But, their services to people now through various programmes spoke volumes on public involvement in creating a developed city.

Infrastructure


Mr. Karthik pointed out that industries elsewhere were watching Coimbatore closely. They would set up units here only if the infrastructure was good. "We want to turn Coimbatore into a model city, to attract more industries."

"We want to give confidence to the people that the next five years will be good times for the city. All the 72 councillors will work to achieve this," he promised.

The public should also know of the problems the Corporation faced, especially the shortage of conservancy workers that affected garbage collection. "Our efforts now are aimed at overcoming these difficulties and voluntary organisations such as the Residents Awareness Association of Coimbatore provide the right kind of inspiration".

Development


President of the ICCI D. Balasundaram said the industry would co-operate with the Corporation in the process of development.

Its former president A.V. Varadarajan said that Coimbatore needed an international airport and the city's infrastructure should be improved.

Secretary of the chamber R.R. Balasundaram said that funds from the Central scheme should be used only for providing quality infrastructure.

Source: The Hindu