MLA Lobo refutes BJP leader’s allegations on AMRUT Scheme

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Dec 21, 2015: Mangaluru South MLA JR Lobo has refuted the allegations levelled by Opposition leader Sudhir Shetty with regard to sanction of funds under AMRUT Scheme. Shetty had alleged  that the failure of the MCC to submit a proper proposal had resulted in the MCC receiving just Rs 3.5 crore under the scheme compared to the Rs 40 crore received by other corporations. Shetty had also alleged that there was a loan burden of Rs 8000 on each citizen.

Clarifying on the same,  Lobo said though MCC is entitled for Rs 148 crore under the scheme which would be utilised entirely for the upgradation of the drainage system in old city area, the MCC had requested the   government not to sanction the amount  now as it would need time to prepare the project report. He also stated that  the drainage system presently in the area which was laid in the 1950s and 60s  was in a bad state and  cannot be repaired, but would need pipe busting which is a costly affair.

He said the MCC has requested the government to sanction Rs 25 crore in the second year, Rs 50 crore in third and fourth years and Rs 23 crore in fifth year. He also assured people of Mangaluru that all possible efforts would be made to provide the best infrastructure to the city.

Giving details about other projects,  Lobo said   some works are still pending as far as ADB I Phase is concerned. He informed that Rs 370 crore  has been spent so far   on underground drainage. Lobo also stated that the MCC would get Rs 340 crore under ADB Phase 2. Of this, 50 per cent is loan while MCC will have to bear 10 per cent of the costs.

He said the MCC was  availing loans only for water supply  and underground drainage project.The amount of loan availed by MCC was very less  when compared to other local bodies, Lobo claimed.

Jacintha Vijay Alfred, Mayor of Mangaluru, Deepak Poojary, Harinath, Corporators and others were present.