KOCHI: With Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) authorities failing to implement most of its projects three years after its inception, chief secretary Tom Jose has set November 10, 2018, as the deadline for starting all the works. Jose had convened a meeting of CSML officials on Saturday to review work progress.At the meeting, Smart City Mission officials informed the chief secretary that many projects were in the tender stage and work could begin in two or three months after completing tender procedures.“The chief secretary expressed his dissatisfaction over the slow progress of projects under Smart City scheme. Jose asked officials to complete all formalities and issue work to contractors by November 10. A meeting will be held that day to evaluate progress,” said mayor Soumini Jain, who attended the review meeting. The chief secretary had also asked officials to focus on proposed projects.Top priority should be given to road projects as it would leave a visible mark on the city’s map. In Smart City areas in Kochi, around 51.5 km of roads will be developed under the project. Besides, a total of 8km should be elevated to world-class smart roads.“But, most of the road works are yet to be tendered,” Jain said. The meeting also reviewed the progress of housing projects.“Over 400 beneficiaries have been shortlisted for the housing scheme under Smart City. Though the number of people who applied for the benefit was high, only the shortlisted beneficiaries had all documents, including title deeds, with them. House construction has not been started. Officials should take urgent steps to expedite work,” added the source.The project to provide uninterrupted water supply in Kochi, especially in Smart City areas, has been pending for over three years. The project – first designed by Kerala water authority (KWA) – was later included under the Smart City scheme.“Even now, authorities are unable to enhance the supply of water to various parts of the city. It is from KWA’s water treatment plants at Aluva and Maradu that drinking water is being supplied to different areas. In case of Maradu treatment plant, it is generating just 40% of its capacity,” said an official who attended the meeting.While designing projects, CSML failed to make it more people-centric. While implementing projects to renovate hospitals, authorities failed to give priority to patients.“Though projects were started, all works are for improving facilities of doctors and staff. At the same time, renovation of casualty, inpatient wards, operation theatres have not begun,” said sources.

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