KMC plans to set up five commercial complexes through PPP

Kolhapur: The Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) is trying to find places to set up five to six large commercial complexes through public-private partnership (PPP).KMC chief Rajendra Bharud has instructed all four divisional offices to identify strategic locations through which the civic body can earn some revenue by giving the commercial spaces on rent. City’s Shingoshi Market, Kombdi Bazaar, Chhatrapati Tararani Market Divisional Office, Central bus stand, Water Park-Bawda, and rickshaw stands in the Central bus stand area are being considered as a priority.Bharud, on Monday evening, held a meeting of all the officials concerned during which the deputy city engineers of all the four divisional offices were asked to identify strategic areas within their respective jurisdictions and submit proposals on how to develop those areas.A KMC official, requesting anonymity, said, “Citizens oppose the proposals to increase property taxes. Therefore, it is inevitable to find alternatives for increasing our revenue. In such a situation, Bharud has decided to develop the municipal lands for income. A consultant panel will be formed for this project in the next eight to 10 days.”The official added, “Financial feasibility of the project will be prepared by the architecture department. In this regard, a presentation has been asked to be prepared first, and the project department is working on it at a fast pace.”Submit plan for new administrative buildingBharud also directed the city engineers to immediately submit plans and estimates for the construction of a new administrative building at Shenda Park as the existing administrative building is inadequate.The civic chief inspected various departments in the main administrative building of the municipal corporation Monday evening and took information about the office work.During the inspection, Bharud took information about the services provided to the citizens, department-wise working procedures and available facilities from the concerned department heads.