RMC Unveils ₹767.43 Crore Budget For City Development
Plans were being formulated to ensure returns to bond purchasers through dividends
KAKINADA: Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation (RMC) Municipal Commissioner Rahul Meena said the civic body had prepared its annual budget with an estimated outlay of `767.43 crore, focusing on the comprehensive development of the city.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, he said the budget included an opening balance of `147.90 crore and estimated revenue of `619.53 crore. Expenditure towards development initiatives, infrastructure projects, salaries and allowances was projected at `630.98 crore.
He said an additional `30 crore was expected to be raised during the current financial year through the issue of municipal bonds. Plans were being formulated to ensure returns to bond purchasers through dividends.
Rahul Meena said that during the previous financial year, the corporation secured second rank in the state among municipal corporations by achieving a tax collection efficiency of 83.55 per cent.
Replying to queries, he said top priority was being given to sanitation in the city. Tenders had been invited for desilting of major and minor drains, and the works were scheduled for completion by the end of May.
He said approval had been received for construction of 18 public toilets across the city with a grant of ₹5 crore under the Swachh Bharat Mission, and works would begin shortly.
The commissioner said the ban on single-use plastic was being strictly enforced and warned that encroachments on roads, footpaths and drains would not be tolerated. He added that the corporation aimed to ensure supply of safe drinking water, with daily water quality tests being conducted.
He said works on the 50 MLD sewage water treatment plant would be completed soon. Special focus was also being given to road widening and junction development under the traffic management system.
Rahul Meena said the corporation aimed to accelerate overall development ahead of Godavari Pushkaralu-2027.
Additional xommissioner P.V. Ramalingeswar, deputy commissioner S. Venkata Ramana, secretary Sailaja Valli, MHO Vinoothna, city planner G.V.S.N. Murty, revenue officer Ch. Srinivasa Rao, manager Abdul Malik and others were present.