VISAKHAPATNAM: People of Visakhapatnam staged a demonstration at the Gandhi Statue near GVMC protesting against privatisation of sports’ centres in the city, including Alva Dorthi Centre on Jeevan Beach Road, Sports Arena in MVP Colony, Mudavirina Park, and Kailasagiri Health Arena (Walker's Park).
These once public centres have all gone into private hands. Citizens now have to pay charges for utilising these facilities.
The protesters led by Warwa Niwas pointed out that the private management charging exorbitant fees for sports events at Port Stadium has already rendered it inaccessible to middle class and general public.
"We demand cancellation of agreements with private contractors and return of these sports centres to public management. Citizens of Visakhapatnam have already borne the burden of construction costs of these sports complexes. It is unjust to now make them pay for utilising these facilities," the protesters stated.
