Physically disabled and senior citizens are a harried lot, as the Finance and Contract Committee (F&CC) of the municipal corporation has not approved the estimate for repair of passenger lifts at the MC’s Zone-D office.
These lifts have not been functinal for more than a year, as the buildings and roads (B&R) department of the civic body has been awaiting approval for an estimated Rs 76,738 required to repair the lifts.
These two passenger lifts were installed at MC’s Zone-D office in 2009 by spending more than Rs 25 lakh, but the sources revealed that they met with a snag after some time. But, the officials have failed to address the problem. HT had earlier highlighted the problem in July, but no action was taken.
A city resident, Baljeet Singh, has recently obtained information under the RTI Act about the reason behind the lifts not being repaired.
The MC in its reply informed that the estimate of Rs 76,738 was sent for approval from F&CC, and lifts will be started again after inviting tenders for repairs.
Singh said, “The lifts have not been working for long time, but the MC officials and F&CC members have failed to pay attention towards them. It is sad that MC is unable to spend Rs 76,738 for repair of lifts that were installed by spending more than Rs 25 lakh.” Singh said the physically challenged and senior citizens were forced to use stairs to reach the offices of different wings. Sometimes, they could not meet the officials and were forced to return home without meeting the officials concerned.
{{/usCountry}}Singh said, “The lifts have not been working for long time, but the MC officials and F&CC members have failed to pay attention towards them. It is sad that MC is unable to spend Rs 76,738 for repair of lifts that were installed by spending more than Rs 25 lakh.” Singh said the physically challenged and senior citizens were forced to use stairs to reach the offices of different wings. Sometimes, they could not meet the officials and were forced to return home without meeting the officials concerned.
{{/usCountry}}Also the offices of MC commissioner and mayor were on first and second floor, respectively, and there is no availability of ramps to reach there. However, as per norms ramps should be there in every office.
Sources said after getting approval from F&CC, the repair process will take another six months to complete. The meeting of F&CC is generally called by the mayor, but majority of estimates are not approved due to poor financial conditions.
Mayor Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria could not be contacted.