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September 1, 2006
An Interview with Mrs. A. Waheeda, Chairperson, Kayalpatnam Municipality. Mrs.Waheeda's five year term in office ends in October
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Kayalpatnam.com>You will be completing your term in office (as Chairperson of Kayalpatnam Municipality) in October this year. How would you describe your experience these past 5 years?
Mrs.A.Waheeda>Both good and bad. Good because I acted according to my conscience. I was an
easily approachable Chairperson for the people as and when the problems arose. Also I had the best
co-operation from people and officials with clean thoughts. Bad because I could not help compromising with
some unwanted proposals.
Kayalpatnam.com>Recent amendment brought in by the Tamil Nadu government has made the selection of the Chairperson to be done by the councillors, not the people directly. Firstly, what is your opinion on this amendment? Secondly, do you intend to take this path (that is - stand as councillor) to Chairperson for another five years?
Mrs.A.Waheeda>This amendment is totally an anti-popular move. It is quite unwanted,
politically-motivated and undemocratic decision. I strongly oppose this new proposal - by which chairpersons
are not elected by the public verdict. (With regard to reelection) I am not going to contest this election at all.
Kayalpatnam.com>What would you describe as your achievements in the last five years in office?
Mrs.A.Waheeda>If at all I achieved in the last 5 years, the compliments must come from your side!
Still - let me list a few things. In midst of persons, opposition from local politicians and self-styled
public activists of this town, I took the challenge of doing my administration on my own. I never admitted
anybody coming as a middleman between me and the people. I faced the problems with good officals and
councillors. If at all you feel that I have done something good to our town - with the help of Allah -
certainly I have done it single handedly. We have faced acute water shortage during 2001 and 2002,
devastating rain and flood situation in 2003 and 2005. We also faced Tsunami disaster in 2004. We have
successfully overcome all the above problems with the help of our councillors, officials and co-operation
from public. By bringing "Ponnankurichy Combined Water Scheme", we have improved the water supply.
In our period, the construction of Nallur Road, the scheme which has been pending for long time, was
completed. More than Rs.1 crore worth roads have been constructed in the town. The remarkable Beach
Beautification was done at a cost of Rs.30 lakhs. Last, but not least, I did strict check on
unoffical water connections which was not stoppable for many years. Following my suggestion, the
silt accumulated since 1959 in Authoor SS Tank was cleared and storage of clear water was possible
thereafter.
Kayalpatnam.com>What would you describe as your failures in the last five years in office?
Mrs.A.Waheeda>With regard to cleanliness, I felt 'Plastic' is hazardous. I tried to eradicate
plastic completely from the town. But I could not do it. I accept it as my failure during my tenure.
Kayalpatnam.com>Panchayati Raj system - of which Municipality is the urban extension - is something of a dream of Mahatma Gandhi. In recent years, former PM Rajiv Gandhi - worked to bring some life into this. As a chairperson of a Municipality, what is your estimation of the current system in terms of its usefulness to the people? In other words, have the Village Panchayats and Municipalities delivered?
Mrs.A.Waheeda>Panchayati Raj System is a remarkable system for civic developments. There are some
pilferages in the system. If these disadvantages are erased, Panchayati Raj would certainly deliver its objects
to the people.
Kayalpatnam.com>What are the primary functions of a body like Municipality? How would you rate the functioning of the current municipality (as a team)?
Mrs.A.Waheeda>Mainly civic cleanliness, providing safe drinking water, construction and
maintenance of roads and market places, installing street lights, alarming the public about
viral and epidemic diseases, collection of house taxes and water charges and regularising building plans.
Functioning of our Municipality was not satisfactory in the past and was good at present.
Kayalpatnam.com>People generally believe every civic body in the country - Kayalpatnam not excluded - has elements of corruption in it. How serious is the problem in Kayalpatnam Municipality?
Mrs.A.Waheeda>Corruption has corroded every part of the country and municipalities are not
exceptions to this.
Kayalpatnam.com>Looking ahead, what - according to you - are the civic challenges facing the people and the municipality of Kayalpatnam?
Mrs.A.Waheeda>I am sorry to say this, but the mentality of the people to care for cleanliness is
below average level. We should not forget one thing: Garbages are not made by nature, it is we (people)
who create garbages. So people ought to increase their civic sense. Secondly, our town needs a systematic
drainage system.
People should come forward to take care of municipal development programs as their own
and co-operate with administration.
Kayalpatnam.com>There has been lot of opposition to upgrading of Kayalpatnam to a municipality. Do you think this opposition is justified? What are the benefits and disadvantages in being a municipality?
Mrs.A.Waheeda>I also oppose this upgrading. We have passed a resolution in our council opposing
the upgrading. I am stepping down from the office before completely analysing its advantages and disadvantages.
Kayalpatnam.com>Finally, after the current term in office, do you plan to continue working in public sphere in other capacities or is it going to be quiet retirement?
Mrs.A.Waheeda>My intention is to work for the people and the society and it cannot be evaded. I shall
continue to work for the downtrodden and the suppressed of the society in the years to come - Insha
Allah.
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