Expand scope of ward funds, say councillors

Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) councillors sought to expand the scope of works covered under the first phase of the Ward Development Fund, at the council meeting on Friday.

Standing Committee Chairperson C. Velu said the councillors were asked to use the ₹30 lakh allocated for pre-monsoon works such as improving roads, cleaning storm-water drains, purchasing boats, building retaining walls, and installing CCTV cameras.

He asked whether the allocation was additional or would be drawn from the existing funds. If the councillors were restricted to using the fund only for the works listed, they would be unable to attend to other maintenance requirements, he said.

GCC Commissioner G.S. Sameeran said pre-monsoon works were given priority, and that councillors could identify locations that require immediate attention.

Thiru.Vi.Ka Nagar councillor Siva. Raajashekaran said they were unable to undertake even minor works such as welding because of the restrictions on the funds.