Private play for public good

Kochi: For the first time, the Department of Urban Affairs (DUA) will hold an investors' meet with the objective of developing basic infrastructure in urban areas in the state through public-private partnership (PPP). Some Rs. 2000 crore worth of investment is expected.

The 'Partner Kerala Meet' to be held in Kochi on December 19 and 20 will seek investment for 60 major projects submitted by urban local bodies, and several other small projects.

Addressing a press meet here on Tuesday to announce the meet, Minister for Urban Affairs Manjalamkuzhi Ali said that the urban local bodies have submitted mega projects worth Rs. 4357 cr of which Rs. 2000 cr is expected to materialised.

"Many investors from the state and outside are expected to attend the meet which will showcase investment opportunities in several sectors, including waste management, sewerage plants, flyovers, bridges and parking lots.

The conference will also seek investors for projects in town beautification, bus terminals, comfort stations and markets and also for amenities such as convention centres, shopping malls and amusement parks," said the minister.

The urban local bodies have been preparing project proposals to submit at the meet. The Department of Urban Affairs is providing training and assistance to the city corporations in preparing the projects.

"An appraisal committee which will include the chief town planner and chief engineer will examine the feasibility of project proposals submitted by local bodies before referring them to the investors' meet," said Ali. As a prelude to the event, road shows will be organised in various places in the state and other major cities in other states.