CHENNAI: The ambitious Chennai city partnership programme got official nod in deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam’s budget speech on Tuesday. The first phase of this project will be implemented with an outlay of Rs 3,140 crore, of which World Bank will provide Rs 2,175 crore (US$300 million).
The project aims to foster better coordination among Chennai’s service agencies such as Greater Chennai Corporation, Chennai Metrowater Supply and Sewerage Board, TN Slum Clearance Board, Metropolitan Transport Corporation and the state highways department in providing better service and also push them towards greater self-sustenance.
Among key areas of focus under the project will be women’s safety in public places, solid waste management, public health and and improving the city’s resilience to disasters such as floods.
“We’ve secured the Centre’s approval for the programme and loan negotiations with the World Bank will be held shortly. In the first phase, the focus will be on strengthening governance, policies and institutions,” Panneerselvam said. The programme will be implemented in three phases over seven years.
Sources said World Bank wants the agencies to focus more on working towards results rather than just building infrastructure assets. For instance, reducing accidents on Chennai’s streets, less leakage in water supply and better non-motorised transport policy initiatives like the pedestrian plaza.
According to official documents, objectives of the first phase will include operationalising the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Urban Transport Authority (CUMTA), strengthening the human resource capacity of the civic agencies.
Under this programme, GCC has submitted proposals for funding of bio-mining at Perungudi and Kodungaiyur dumpyard, construction of 17 flyovers and bridges, and area-based development of Shollinganallur, Velachery, Thiruvanmiyur, Mylapore, Anna Nagar, Tiruvottiyur and Purasawalkam on the lines of smart city works carried out in T Nagar. Some of these projects, like mega streets and bio-mining are already underway.
A senior official in GCC told TOI that the World Bank representatives, during meetings, indicated that they want a more seamless administration and governance for Chennai. “Currently, its in a bits and pieces as many focus areas such as water, sanitation, health, transport are governed by different service agencies,” the official said.