Udupi/M’belle: Commercial Complex and Sanitary Block inaugurated in Panchayat Premises

By Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’belle, Oct 16, 2014: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Swachch Bharath Abhiyan”  was put into practice by Belle Grama Panchayat by inaugurating commercial complex and state of the art sanitary block on Thursday, 16 October 2014 at 11 am in Santekatte near the Panchayat office.

 

The commercial block was inaugurated by Mrs. Ida Gibba D’Souza, member of the Udupi Zilla Panchayat and the granite slab was unveiled by Devdas Hebbar, former President of Udupi Taluk Panchayat. The commercial complex with four outlets was constructed out of the grants acquired by Mrs. Ida Gibba D’Souza, Devdas Hebbar and Rajendra Shetty-President of Belle Grama Panchayat.

 

Ronald Sabi D’Souza

The sanitary block was inaugurated by Bernard D’Souza and the granite slab was unveiled by Mrs. Regina D’Souza, parents of Ronald Sabi D’Souza, resident of Kattingeri and entrepreneur and philanthropist presently stationed in Dubia who had sponsored the sanitary block.

 

The brief stage programme organized in front of the panchayat office was presided over by Rajendra Shetty-President of Belle Grama Panchayat. Mrs. Jacintha D’Souza-Vice President of the Panchayat, Mrs. Ida Gibba D’Souza, Devdas Hebbar, Gerald Fernandes-former President of Zilla Pnahcayt, Charles Quadros-President of CA Bank, Bernard D’Souza, Mrs. Regina D’Souza and Mrs. Benny Quadros-PDO were on the dais.

 

In his introductory address, Devdas Hebbar highlighted the philosophy behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Swachch Bharath Abhiyan” and pointed out the need to clean up one’s own surroundings and provide sanitation to the villagers. With this view in mind, the sanitary block was constructed at the market place by the generous donations from Ronald Sabi D’Souza, so that those who frequent the market especially on weekly market day can make use of it.

 

On this occasion, Mrs. Ida Gibba D’Souza, Devdas Hebbar, Bernard D’Souza, Mrs. Regina D’Souza, Vincent Fernandes (Contractor) and Gerald Fernandes were felicitated.

 

Mrs. Ida Gibba D’Souza, in her message assured her cooperation in developing the market place by trying to get the necessary grants from the Udupi Zilla Panchayat.

Gerald Fernandes, who was instrumental in getting the sponsorship from Ronald Sabi D’Souza narrated the circumstances that prompted the latter to assure his contribution for the construction of the sanitary block. The sanitary block was constructed by Bharath Nirman Volunteers(BNV) under the scheme of the Central Government known as Lab to Land Programme. He further said that in the absence of funds with the grama panchayat, people like Ronald Sabi D’Souza have shown the way to promote public-government cooperation in providing public utility works to the villagers. Gerald Fernandes further said that according to an estimate there are around 700 people who work in Gulf Countries and even if 70 persons take the example of Ronald Sabi D’Souza a lot of development can be achieved in the village. People willingly contribute either to build or renovate religious places. In the same way they could contribute to build public utilities which would be used by villagers irrespective of their religious beliefs.  

 

In his presidential address, Rajendra Shetty thanked Ronald Sabi D’Souza for sponsoring the sanitary block and said that the panchayat has the plan of leveling the ground in Santekatte and making it more user-friendly through inter-lock bricks. The old buildings surrounding the Santekatte are being demolished to make way for the RCC buildings. Moreover, there is a plan to construct a new office for the panchayat. He expressed hope that the villagers would support these projects of the Belle Grama Panchayat and help in restructuring of the market place and panchayat office.  

 

Mrs. Benny Quadros (PDO) welcomed the guests and Sashidhar Wagle, former pacnhayat president compeered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks.