BANGALORE: When there are many important works like water supply and sanitation works which need immediate attention, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has prioritised other works like repairing footpaths at the cost of `7.2- crore.
The cash-strapped civic body has spent at least `112 crore from the emergency grants for many insignificant works.
Sources reveal that the BBMP has spent `112.45 crore for fixing signboards, laying slabs, fencing, rain water harvesting and other works in 2011-12.
According to sources, the amount was spent during former BBMP commissioner Siddaiah’s tenure.
All the developmental works were implemented at 25 wards across the city.
“The city has 198 wards totally.
The newly added areas need more funds as there will be many developmental works pending in these areas.
When that is the case, what is the need to spend on the old wards? Emergency grants, if spent, should be spent on all the 198 wards.
After all, it is the taxpayers’ money,” a senior Congress councillor said.
Another councillor said that emergency grants are nothing but reserved funds.
“When the Mayor or Commissioner inspects a ward and finds that the area has incomplete works due to lack of funds, emergency funds can be utilised,” the councillor added.
When contacted, Opposition leader M Udayshankar said Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike Commissioner M K Shankarlinge Gowda has spent only `85 crore under emergency grants.
“When former commissioner Siddaiah was incharge, he spent more than what is being spent currently.
What was the need to spend on rain water harvesting when emergency grants has to be used under situations like natural calamities?” he questioned.