City to grow on PPP mode

KOCHI: The implementation of projects through public-private-partnership  (PPP) basis, annuity schemes and sponsorship programmes have been given  priority in the annual budget of the Kochi Corporation for 2012-13. The budget was presented by Deputy Mayor B Bhadra here at the Council hall on Tuesday. The budget projects a revenue of Rs 757.73 crore and an   expenditure of Rs 731.93 crore. After adjusting for reverses, the estimated surplus amount is Rs 16.77 crore.  “Though the city is on the path of growth, there are various issues related  with development that need urgent attention. However, it is a fact that the Corporation lacks ample financial and human resources and proper project and finance management to meet the problems,” Bhadra said in her budget speech. She said that to overcome the limitations, the Corporation has decided to go  for PPP model which was successfully implemented by the Centre and the state governments for various projects. “We have gathered the opinion of various business and civic organisations  before preparing the budget. The civic body will join hands with such  organisations for the implementation of various projects. Likewise, we will also utilise annuity schemes and deposit works for project execution,” she added. The completion of the e-governance project under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) has been given top priority in the budget. A comprehensive plan will be prepared to make the offices of  various departments of the Corporation compatible with the advanced systems  launched as part of the e-Governance programme. A detailed project report (DPR) for the project will be prepared by Infrastructure Kerala (InKel) and  an allocation of Rs 25 lakh was made in the budget for the purpose.Among the road projects, the budget has made provision for the completion of the Thammanam-Pulleppady Road.  The first phase of land acquisition will be  completed this fiscal, with the help of Rs 25 crore promised by the State Government. The budget has suggested that the land acquisition, which is a major hurdle for the Thammanam-Pulleppady road project, be solved by offering more floor area ratio and transfer of development rights. The budget also suggests formation of a Unified Metropolitan Transport  Authority, the modification of existing City Development Plan and Master Plan.