Public Accountability

One of things that always remain unanswered within me is about the public accountability in our country. We see so many repairs being done to the newly laid road making it once again a rough and tough ride. Who is responsible for bringing it back to a good shape. I see the debris lying around uncleared or even the stones and sand being dumped on the corners of the road. These gets all over the place because the vehicles are forced to ride over them. Isn't a public wastage of the material. How will they account for it.

Same is the case with the encroachments. Everyday we pass by some of the places and slowly see the encroachments being done on the roadside. What starts as a small time vendor selling either a tender coconut or a small tea shop, then gathers momentum as days goes by. From one small make shift dispensing utility, slowly a row of pucca shops gets built eating into the public spaces. Then one day the Corporation wakes up and brings a bulldozer and razes to ground all these structures. Why are we talking about removal of encroachments why aren't we concerned about preventing that to happen. Who is accountable in the prevention of encroachments.

Last couple of years the side walks on all roads, even the interior roads, which is so narrow, got the side walks built using pre fabricated cement slaps. But are these side walks being used or should I say in usable condition. Mostly no as the side walks are laid at least at a height of 1 feet and when the gates of the houses are there, then the person who is using this side walk has to step down and after passing in front of the gate has to step up once again to use the side walks. There is no smooth walking space, but you have to step up and step down. This deters the people in using them. Second thing is the Electricity boards junction box, which obstructs the walk - so you step down, walk around and then step up - Is this approach practical. The third is the presence of small vendor using these side walks and spreading their wares whether it is flower or fruit or the spill over from the shops. So people tend to ignore the side walks and walk on the road.

Now these side walks with cement slaps(mind you most of them are in good shape) are removed and are being relaid with red paver blocks. Of course, it looks beautiful, but doesn't it come out of the taxes that are being forcefully collected by the government. Who is accountable for this kind of expenditure.

These are some of things I always think about, but till date have found no answer. if anyone is able to give me the answer, I will Bless them with a very joyous heart indeed.