Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jun 7: The construction of the DC complex in Padil began six years ago but remains unfinished, with no signs of completion.

During the Congress regime, funds were allocated for the construction of the new DC complex in Padil. However, due to a shortage of funds, the work was halted. With the Congress back in power, there is hope that the second phase estimate will be approved. The new DC complex received approval in 2014, but due to the land being handed over to the forest department and a stay on tree cutting by the green tribunal, actual construction work began in March 2018, undertaken by the housing board.

Initially estimated at Rs 41 crore, the project cost was later revised to Rs 55 crore. Rs 51 crore has been disbursed to the contractor. However, due to project delays, the cost has escalated to Rs 76 crore. A fresh estimate of Rs 29 crore was submitted three years ago for the second phase.

Most of the building work, including the roof, doors, and railing, is complete. Pending tasks include finishing work, electrical installation, the Ashoka Pillar atop the building, two elevators, air conditioning, furniture, cable network, painting, drainage, compound wall construction, and interlock fixing. District in-charge minister Sunil Kumar visited the site in March 2020.

MLA Vedavyas Kamath assures, "The first phase of the DC office complex is complete, with only some pending work remaining for the second phase. It will be completed soon."