KOCHI: With the city gearing up to host the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, the Kochi Corporation is all set to welcome the mega event. Being the stakeholder agency, cleaning of the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, rehearsal grounds, its premises and other major locations and providing sanitation facilities are the responsibility of the City Corporation. Considering the importance of the event, the Corporation has decided to select a private agency through tendering for cleaning. "During the one month period, cleaning of major roads and streets near the venues and hotels where the teams are staying will be entrusted with a private firm," said Mayor Soumini Jain during a special council session convened on Thursday to discuss the preparatory works.
Construction of 33 toilets at specified locations in the JN Stadium premises has already started. "Construction of toilets will be completed soon at a cost of Rs.14.60 lakhs. Funds from Swachh Bharat Mission are being used for it," the Mayor said. During the meeting, it was decided to depute more health workers for cleaning other city areas. Steps would also be taken to complete filling potholes on the roads at the earliest.
"As part of city beautification, instructions have been given to remove visually polluting illegal billboards from different parts of the city," said Shainy Mathew, town planning committee chairperson. "Hoardings welcoming football teams and players will be erected in different locations. Landmark buildings in the city will be illuminated including the Corporation office and town hall. Private firms will also be asked to participate in the beautification and illumination," added Ms. Jain.
Food Safety department authorities will be asked to conduct special drives to ensure quality of food being sold at hotels and eateries. Discussions will be held with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce to start night shopping, especially at Broadway, during the football event to attract more shoppers. Deputy mayor T.J. Vinod, health committee chairperson V.K. Minimol, opposition leader in the council K.J. Antony, councillors K.R. Premkumar, P.S. Prakash, V.P. Chandran, Benedict Fernandez also spoke.
