Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Jan 10: Facing flak over inordinate delay in launch of the
newly constructed Food Court near Marina Park, the Municipal Council
has eventually pushed the top gear to inaugurate the immensely popular
on Republic Day (Jan 26) this year. The project executing agency
completed the construction of the Food Court about 2 months ago with
seating arrangements and spaces for shops, but the Municipal Council
failed to initiate steps for allotment of shops to private parties.
“The Municipal Council reels under acute shortage of funds to the tune
of Rs 11 crores and such ordinate delay in inaugurating newly
constructed civic amenities further adds to the burden of the
treasury. Several community buildings like the newly constructed
Shopping Complex at Dairy Farm have not been put to optimal
utilisation. In the instant case, the Food Court, which has tremendous
revenue generation potential, was left unutilised for over two months
since its completion. Hundreds of visitors and local residents throng
the Food Court in the evenings to enjoy their favourite delicacies.
The seating arrangements and newly constructed shops at the Food Court
was widely appreciated. But the Council failed to open it promptly
after construction. Many local newspapers highlighted the laxity of
the Municipal Council prominently after which it jumped into action,”
said some residents of Aberdeen Bazar.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, the Chairperson, Municipal Council,
Sheela Singh clarified that allotment of shops at the Food Court
couldn’t be done as the Municipal Council planned to inaugurate the
Food Court first. Accordingly, steps were being taken to regularise
the existing shops at the Food Court which delayed the allotment of
new shops, she said.
Leave a Reply