Privatisation mooted for keeping Ima Keithel clean
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 12, 2013:
Along with initiating steps for keeping the historic Ima Keithel in the heart of the Capital city neat and clean through privatization, the State Government has cancelled all the permits earlier granted for operating parking lots along the road side of the market area for the first phase of the move.
Meanwhile, in connection with the privatisation move, an official team led by former Works Minister and current MLA of Sugnu A/C K Ranjit, who had taken a major role not only during the time of construction of three new market complexes and the temporary market shed as well as during resolution of problems that came up from time to time, has inspected the existing condition of the three markets to see necessary repairing works that would be needed to be done.
According to sources, the move of privatisation for keeping the market places neat and clean has been mooted in view of the need for improving the look of the market complexes which also serve as one of the most sought after place for visitors/tourists coming from different parts of the country and abroad.
Even though Imphal Municipal Council (IMS) has entrusted with the responsibility of keeping Imphal city including the three Ima Markets neat and tidy, the selected councillors have not been able to perform their perform their duty efficiently and the market areas remained filled with dirt and garbage for days and weeks without even.
Thus, the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh-led Government has decided to rope in private agencies to look after the cleanliness of the market areas and other parts of Imphal, the source explained.
Before arriving at this decision, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has held several rounds of meeting with MLAs from the seven Assembly segments of Imphal Municipality for discussion, the source added.
It further disclosed that the privatisation move for keeping the market areas and other parts of Imphal city would require organisations that would be able to perform the task assigned, the arrangement for selection of such organisations through tender process too has been finalised.
On the other hand, parking lots which used to be allowed to operate along the road side of Khwairamband market has been removed and the permission given earlier in this regard cancelled in view of the problem created to the public and market goers alike.
The new development has come about as part of the move being made for proper maintenance of the market areas through privatisation.
Consequently, Imphal Municipal Council has also stopped issuing any more permits for operating parking lots in the market areas from its side.