ELURU: People residing in several low-lying areas of Eluru town, might soon get rid of their inundation problem during rains. Eluru town is all set to get a facelift, thanks to the funds released by the Centre to the state as per the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission. Roads and drains would be repaired and improved with the efforts started by Eluru Municipal Corporation at an estimated cost of `8 crore.
In addition, the corporation is also utilising `2 crore available under SC Sub Plan, Non-plan funds of `1.5 crore and `3 crore from general funds are being spent in 50 divisions of the city. While the drainage works would be taken up for 7-9 km, the CC and BT road constructions would be laid up to 6-7 km.
Eluru town has been a hell to the road users over the past decade. It has also been facing drainage problem, causing inundation of various areas even during small rains. Though the municipal councils had earlier spent crores of rupees for the development of roads and drains, all these efforts have not yielded any results. As a result, many low-lying areas like Powerpet, Narasimharao Peta and Fatehbad areas are flooded with rain water during the rainy season.
The Eluru Municipal Corporation (EMC) realised the need for proper roads and drainage system and is taking up the works at a fast pace. The corporation has received funds from the Centre to the tune of `8 crore and the funds are being used for development works in the city. With these funds, the officials have prepared estimates to take up construction of drainages and internal roads in the city for which contracts have been awarded through e-procurement.
As part of these works, the extension of roads at Eluru Railway station on GNT roadside is being taken up. It has also taken up the drainage construction works in ASR Stadium area, Narasimharao Peta, Ramachandrarao Peta, Chittivalasapaka areas with the 13th Finance Commission funds. The works also include construction of BT roads and CC roads in these areas.
The Corporation has started the patch works of the GNT road and other adjacent BT roads in the town and after completing the patch works, it would take up the laying of a new road on the stretch. It has also taken up the CC roads in various areas, including slums and SC Colonies here.
There have been allegations that some of these works are of substandard quality done by the contractors but the officials assured that there was nothing to panic. Within two months after commencement of works, the contractors have completed 25 per cent of it, while the work order was given to a contractor in ASR Stadium area a month ago. However, the drain constructed by the contractor collapsed on Tuesday. The substandard quality of work is said to be a reason for the damage, it is learnt. “The ratio of cement and sand is not up to the standard specifications which in turn led to the damage,” sources said.
EMC commissioner Yarra Sai Srikanth told Express that all works are going on in full swing. “The works are being thoroughly checked by 3rdparty quality control team. If any sub-standard quality is found in the works, the contractor has to reconstruct those works on his own expense,” he said. He also clarified that the damage of drainage that was under construction at ASR Stadium came to his notice and action would be initiated against the engineering officials for allowing such works. He said memos would be issued to the water works department as well for leakage of pipeline at the workplace.