TEAM HERALD
PONDA: Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) is in the process of replacing old vehicles engaged in garbage collection, as these are reportedly consuming excessive fuel and high on maintenance.
According to information, PMC has eight vehicles for garbage collection, of which PMC has decided to do away with five vehicles. A proposal regarding the same was sent to the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA). However, the proposal was not considered due to the fact that vehicles had not covered stipulated kilometres, as required before deciding on the condemnation of vehicles.
Owing to PMC’s justification to replace the five vehicles, the DMA reviewed its decision and has given a green signal.
“The five vehicles that are to be replaced are four compactors and one truck with lift. These vehicles were high on maintenance and also consumed more fuel, as such the council decided to replace these vehicles,” informed PMC Chairperson Dr Radhika Naik.
Councillor Venkatesh Naik, who is also the garbage committee president, said the vehicles have completed about 10 years but have not crossed 1.20 lakh kilometres. “However owing to rising cost on diesel consumption and maintenance, it would be wise to replace these vehicles,” said Naik.
Dr Naik informed that PMC has decided to renew leases of various shops owned by PMC from January 2014 and the revenue generation is expected to cross Rs 1 crore per year. The decision was taken during the standing committee meeting held in PMC on Monday.
“We will undertake renewal of shop leases from January. Every three years the leases have to be renewed with 10 per cent rise in rent. We expect about Rs 1.25 crore revenue generation per year,” said Dr Naik.
Meanwhile, Venkatesh Naik claimed that PMC was first to submit a detailed report on the requirements and the status on PMC’s garbage management.
“A detailed break up report on PMC garbage management has been submitted to the DMA. We have also mentioned the requirements and other issues related to garbage management. Presently, PMC annually spends about Rs 2.5 crore on garbage management and collects about Rs 26 lakh by way of garbage tax from the residents,” said Venkatesh Naik.
Councillor Venkatesh Naik, who is also the garbage committee president, said the vehicles have completed about 10 years but have not crossed 1.20 lakh kms
