Imphal, March 23: Highlighting various construc- tion works to be pursued by the State government in Imphal, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today fervently appealed to all concerned to extend cooperation for expeditious completion of the developmental projects.

Addressing an impressive gathering at the inauguration programme of the newly constructed temporary market shed at the then Old District Hospital complex, the Chief Minister regretted that due to objections from certain quarters renovation of the historic khwairamband keithel to a modern day complex had to be delayed.

The inauguration of the temporary market sheds today could have been in fact the inaugural function of the new khwairamband Keithel complex, said Ibobi referring to delay in starting the renovation work due to opposition from some section of the women vendors scattered at Ima keithel, lakshmi Bazar and Purana Bazar.

Even though there is no proposal from the Government side to add one storey above the historic structure, Ibobi expressed keen desire to utilise the top floor as kitchen space for the women vendors, resting zones and to establish hygienic sanitation rooms.

Stessing on the inevitability of a well planned Imphal city in view of the ever increasing population the CM asserted the necessity of evicting stalls on either side of Bir Tikendrajit Road.

Diverting to the Capitol Project construction, he said cooperation from surrounding residents is essential for the Rs 300 crore project for which first phase Central assistance of Rs 50 crore has been released.

Elaborating on the funding process of the Capitol Project, the CM said once the first phase allocation is utilised the Centre is to release another sum of Rs 150 crore in the next fiscal with the remaining amount of Rs 100 crore to be released subsequently.

He also described as unfortunate attempts made by some persons to dismantle the Project�s foundation stone unveiled by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the latter�s visit in November last year.

Stating that on completion the Capitol Project would have manipur Legislative Assembly Hall, building to house the Civil Secretariat and high Court complex at the same site the Chief Minister reiterated on importance of cooperation from all concerned especially the adjoining residents for expeditious commencement of the construction activities.

While announcing that the State Government will implement establishing a 1000 seat capacity Cultural Complex at the land previously occupied by Surana Motors, the CM iterated of reserving Rs 2 crore for adequate compensation to affected patta holders.

Ibobi also announced Govt plan to develop and beautify BT park premises and construction of a Tribal Market.

In his presidential address, PDA Chairman K Ranjit basking under the achievement of the Agency to complete the temporary market sheds within 100 days detailed the site as covering an area of 1,30,669 sq ft and capable to accommodate 70 open women vendors in addition to providing 45 kiosks.

The temporary market complex also have three godowns to store vegetable and other items, Ranjit added.

Regretting that bills to sub-contractors could not be cleared before the Yaoshang festival, the Sugnu AC MLA expressed confidence of fulfilling the contractors� wishes soon after the festival.

The inauguration function was also attended by Imphal Municipal Council Chairperson G Moirangjao Kabui and Family Welfare Minister L Nandakumar as the guest of honour and special guest respectively.

Besides several number of SPF council of Ministers, top civil and police department officials a large number of women also participated at the programme.

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