The city corporation council has approved development works worth Rs 84 crore for the year 2012-2013 under the 12th Five Year Plan.
Projects aimed at improving the living conditions of the public have been given priority in the Plan, said mayor Tony Chammany at the council meeting held on Saturday.
“Topmost priority will be given to solving the drinking water scarcity in West Kochi area. This time, rather than works for each division, funds will be used to address the common issues of the city”, he said.
Meanwhile, opposition councillors alleged that they were not given sufficient time to study the details of the project proposals.
“While conceiving projects, the ruling bench had taken decisions on its own without discussing it in working group meetings.
The style of functioning of the corporation secretary, the mayor and chairpersons of standing committees was not effective and the mayor was not serious about the Five Year Plan”, alleged opposition councillor M. Anil Kumar.
As part of the social welfare projects, Rs 7 crore has been allocated for women while projects worth Rs 1.85 crore have been planned for children, the elderly and the mentally challenged.
The council also approved the renovation of the corporation’s main office using the Plan funds.