In our strategy to enhance the service
level, we will strengthen the communication and public
relations system with the citizens. In this regard,
I wish to make an appeal to the public to make optimum
use of the mechanisms which the Municipal Council is
already providing in order to channel their grievances,
namely, the Customer Care Counter and the Hotline.
The Municipal Council is in the process
of embarking on a very ambitious computerization project.
This project will not only facilitate the daily tasks
of the Municipal Staff in the performance of their duties
but it will also enable every cross-section of our citizens
to get free access to information in all spheres of
municipal activities.
We are also committed to the promotion
of sports, leisure and cultural activities. You must
be aware that the Town of Vacoas/Phoenix is at the forefront
in the field of sports. Several athletes have performed
brilliantly at National and International levels in
different sports disciplines. We will consequently ensure
that our athletes are given more encouragement and support,
in terms of new facilities to enable them to shine in
their respective disciplines.
We will also pay a special attention
to our senior citizens. As in past years, more leisure
activities will be organized for the benefit of our
senior citizens.
To foster learning and reading culture
among our citizens, particularly, the students, we will
ensure that the facilities at the Municipal Library
and all sub-libraries are upgraded, new books and magazines
are purchased. The stock of books in all languages,
including Asian languages viz, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic,
Marathi, Gujurati, Tamil, Telegu, Mandarin and all other
languages will be increased to further promote our cultural
diversity and enhance our rainbow nation. Extracurricular
and literary activities will be organized by the Council
as usual.
As a service provider we will continue
to provide an efficient scavenging service, the tarring,
resurfacing and re-grading of roads, construction of
drains and provision of street-lanterns will be extended
in all the nooks and corners of the township where the
need is felt. Infrastructural development in the town
will be further extended with new forthcoming projects.
Together, with the Municipal staff, we will take strong
measures to ensure that Vacoas-Phoenix remains a clean
and pollution-free Town. We will be ruthless against
polluters. The cleanliness of the Town will be continually
enhanced by further upgrading the scavenging service,
embellishment of green spaces, by enforcing the relevant
Regulations against littering and dumping as well as
failure to properly maintain wastelands.
The year 2010 will also mark a shift
from the traditional way of spending public funds to
a Programme Based Budgeting and Performance Management
System.
In our context, this means giving maximum
satisfaction to the citizens in fulfilling their needs
and aspirations, in getting all services and amenities
provided in a cost-effective manner. They also call
for greater transparency and accountability in the discharge
of our responsibilities.
Obviously, they will require a new
mindset and a new work culture and ethos, from all quarters,
Councillors and employees alike. It will not be business
as usual. There will be a strong focus on discipline,
hard work and service delivery at all levels.
The vision that I have outlined is
certainly ambitious but not unrealistic. We have an
excellent team. We also have a committed and dedicated
staff. Together, we can.
I thank you for your usual support.
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