Kakinada: Poor sanitation in Smart City

Kakinada: The citizens of the smart city of Kakinada are worried over the poor sanitation conditions in the wake of break out of Covid-19. Though Kakinada was upgraded into smart city sanitation is very poor due to lack of enough number of sanitation workers.

Due to poor sanitation viral fever cases are reported in slums and surrounding areas. Many people express displeasure over the poor drainage and sanitation system in the smart city.

Sanitation and garbage collection has become a problem for the residents here. Density of population in Kakinada has increased manifold after the announcement of the Smart City. But sanitation facilities and manpower at the local bodies has remained the same, which is creating problems. The residents of these areas are facing problems with the poor sanitation and garbage management implemented by the Kakinada Municipal Corporation (KMC).

"Garbage has become a big problem. A few dumper bins were available in the colony and citizens are throwing waste on streets. Despite our complaints, the workers are not clearing the garbage for weeks. Stinking smell is creating problems," said Bhamidipati (VT) Lakshmi, a homemaker from Ramarao Pet in the city. Ramarao Pet, Gandhi Nagar, Ashok Nagar and Madhura Nagar areas are traffic and pollution-free localities in the city.

However, when it comes to hygiene and sanitation, the place lags behind. Most people here crib about poor drainage system. Some of the lanes stink a lot as public urination menace disturbs the peace of mind of the colony residents. "Despite our repeated pleas, we are not able to put an end to this problem as the slum dwellers surrounding the locality continue to urinate in public."

Some of the colony women say that the area is poorly lit as most streetlights fail to work.

As a result, the incidents of thefts are on rise. Now especially, after the break of the Covid-19, people of these localities in the city are extremely scared as it may spread due to the filthy and dirty conditions prevailing here. "In addition to this, irregular police patrolling is giving way to the increased cases of burglary too," laments Gidituri Sanjeev Rao, resident and social activist.