MC staff work overtime to welcome Shah today

Sandeep Rana

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Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 19

The roads leading to a high-end hotel at the Industrial Area, Phase I, were being repaired and their sides spruced up on the eve of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit for a meeting of the Northern Zonal Council.

Sources said about 100 workers were deputed for various civic works. All potholes on the roads leading to Hyatt Regency were being repaired by the MC. Besides, dirty water accumulated on the roadside was being drained out and weeds removed. JCBs were lifting a pile of garbage lying there for the past several days. Sweepers were seen sweeping the roads.

Those working at the spot said after they called it a day and reached home at 6 pm, they were asked to come for  this work. “We have no problems with long working hours, but we have not got our salaries for the past three months,” said one of the workers.

Another worker added, “We are working here on empty stomach. Such works could have been done in advance.”

Sources the UT Administration informed the MC officials late, following which civic body officials sent its workers to the area. 

Till the filing of the report at 10 pm, workers were on the job. Amrit Warring, Medical Officer of Health (MOH), MC, claimed, “It was a routine work of sanitation. Normally, such works are done at night because there is no traffic on the roads.” 

He denied that 100 workers were deployed for the works. “May be the UT Administration also sent its workers,” he said.

Notably, several works, including road repairs, are held up in the city for want of funds with the MC.