Dharwad: Expressing serious concern over poor sanitation and inadequate healthcare facilities in Dharwad, Dharwad Rural MLA Vinay Kulkarni on Wednesday directed Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation officials to introduce mandatory biometric attendance for sanitation workers, and take an immediate decision on establishing a separate maternity hospital in the city.
Chairing a progress review meeting of departments and nine wards under the Dharwad-71 assembly constituency at the HDMC hall, Vinay said development works worth around Rs 110 crore are under way in the constituency. He said Rs 30 crore has been earmarked for underground drainage works, Rs 40 crore for concrete roads and Rs 36 crore for drinking water projects, besides funds for a modern electric crematorium near Murugamath. Additional works worth around Rs 70 crore are also being implemented through various schemes.
Highlighting the growing burden on Dharwad Civil Hospital, Vinay said pregnant women were facing hardship due to shortage of beds and rooms. In a relief to residents, Vinay announced that birth and death certificates will be issued from the Dharwad corporation office from Thursday. Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news.
Reviewing the city’s sanitation system, the MLA said cleanliness was not up to the expected standard despite a large workforce on paper. Citing reports of fake signatures and absenteeism among sanitation workers, he warned health inspectors and instructed officials to implement biometric attendance without delay. Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi and other festivals, he directed officials to prioritise garbage clearance, drain repairs, streetlight maintenance and removal of tree branches obstructing procession routes. He urged the civic body to immediately decide whether the proposed maternity hospital would be developed by the corporation or handed over to health department, assuring funds and cooperation if the former takes up the project. Download the TOI App.