Proper sewage system, good roads, controlling the stray dog population, and a separation ration outlet are some of the demands of the more than 15,000 residents of Kavundampalayam Ward 5.

Businessman N. Selvam said, “For the past 20 years I have been living in Mullai Nagar. The Corporation did not take any steps to construct roads. When it rains, water just stagnates everywhere. None of the vehicles comes to this place. Also the ditches are not maintained properly. Municipality staff never comes to clean. So we have planned to clean the area ourselves.” About the need for a separate ration shop, he said, “Since there are around 2000 people living in the area, one ration store is not enough. The corporation should set up a separate ration store for this region.”

Homemaker S. Ponnamal said, “For 15 years now, we have been requesting for the construction of a bridge in Mullai Nagar. The corporation began constructing it only last year. Until then there was only slab to cross the path. The bridge needs light posts. We have informed the councillor about the need for light posts, but they haven’t taken any steps,”

Retail shop owner M. Mariappan, said, “The sewage system is terrible in Ashok Nagar. The water just flows around our houses. Drainage is necessary for us. We have complained many a times but there is no proper response from the corporation.”

“Enga area-va paathale odi poiduvanga (People would run away at the mere sight of our area),” a little girl living in Mullai Nagar Top Street said.

The area is full of garbage. There are no proper roads and there are stray dogs everywhere. Homemaker M. Sundari said, “More than 15 dogs live in the street. I had been bitten thrice by the dogs. We had complained a number of times to remove the dogs, but the corporation has done nothing. Also, the ditches are not properly maintained. Mosquito-borne diseases are very prevalent. Municipality staff never comes to clean. Even if they come, they expect bribes from people.”

Homemaker R. Ranjitha said, “We are being robbed at the ration shop. The government had announced 20 kilos of rice for each card, but we get only 10 kilos of rice, and one kilo pulses once every three months. There is also a shortage of sugar. We are not getting any government discounts. All the items get over on the very first day.”

Ranjitha also informed that the ration store in Ashok Nagar is run by Magalir Suya Udavi Kuzhu, a private organization. “This should be taken over by the government. Only then will we get the products properly,” she added.

Priest R. Parameshwaran said, “The councillor never comes for a visit. Our area is filled with garbage. The corporation constructed a ditch, but it always breaks down. Drinking water tank was constructed by the corporation. But the water is not clean and it smells bad.”

According to K. Maheskumar, councillor of Kavundampalayam Ward 5, the government had sanctioned Rs.7 Crores. He had constructed a bridge. LED lights for the bridge are yet to be sanctioned. Road construction work at Cheran Nagar, Abirami Nagar, and Maharaja Avenue is under process. He said that the shortage of provisions at the ration stores was due to the rain. He added that the non-availability of clean-up trucks was the reason for the accumulation of garbage.

The councillor has promised to look into the complaints.