KOZHIKODE: There is just one week left for the inauguration of the Gender Park but a visit to the construction site, will indicate that not even half of the works in the first phase are complete. But it appears that the inauguration, apparently aimed at getting votes in the upcoming assembly elections, will go ahead.
When enquiries were made about the incomplete works in the prestigious project, the office of the Social Justice Minister replied that it was impossible to wait until the completion of the project, for the inauguration.
“Do you think that all the projects in the state are inaugurated after all the works are done? It is impossible. There will be some incomplete works which will be finished in due course,” said the office, about the incomplete project, where Rs 22 crore has been spent on the first phase.
The project, a face-saving one, for the department on a 24 acre-land in Vellimadukunnu, was started more than four years ago and critics say the hasty inauguration, slated to be held on February 27, is aimed at attracting voters, prior to the Assembly polls.
Of the five phases, the first phase was expected to include a Gandhi museum, restoring and renovating an ancient building where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visit in 1932, an international standard convention centre and an amphitheatre, without affecting the nature of the land.
During a visit to the site, DC found that out of the three, only the works of the Gandhi museum was nearing completion. For the amphitheatre and convention centre, the construction works are in the beginning stages.
Under no circumstances, will the projects be completed in a week, though work is going on night and day. Entry for the public is restricted to the site, but the public relations department has not yet circulated the pictures of the progress of construction.
