Date:05/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/05/stories/2006090513480300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur

Supervise sanitation works personally, says Minister

Staff Reporter

Regional conference of municipal commissioners held

ANANTAPUR: Minister for Municipal Administration Koneru Ranga Rao has directed officials of the municipalities and municipal corporations in Rayalaseema region to implement development and welfare schemes properly.

Speaking at the Rayalaseema regional conference of commissioners of municipal corporations and municipalities here on Monday, he said the officials and staff had to work in cohesion for development of civic bodies in drought-prone areas. He asked the commissioners to supervise the sanitation in towns personally without relying on middlemen (contractors) so that the field-level workers could discharge their duties with responsibility. He directed them to implement the two-drum garbage collection on cycle-rickshaws in all wards.

The commissioners should also lay emphasis on solid waste management as it was a unique problem in urban areas. He also cautioned them against lethargy in collection of property tax and profession tax and others.

Slums' development

About 40 per cent funds of APUSP must be spent on development works in slums, Mr. Ranga Rao said.

Later, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration Veena Ish reviewed municipality-wise issues like drinking water, sanitation, Rajiv Gruhakalpa, Indiramma, collection of revenue.