At least we don’t fall on slushy roads’
Raghava M. BANGALORE: So what is good about their area? Vajpayee Nagar resident Shantakumari comes up with a quick repartee: “Should it rain again, at least we won’t slip and fall on slushy roads; we can now at least walk on asphalted roads to come out of the flooded areas.” Shantakumari, another resident of the area, is unstinting in her praise for the work done by Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy in the constituency. “Many of the mud roads have been asphalted. The side drains are now in a better shape compared with what they were three years ago,” she said, adding, “Thanks to him there is demand for houses in our area.” This counting of blessings is a common factor amongst many residents in Bommanahalli, Hongasandra and Mangammanapalya wards. “For many years we have had to endure mud roads. It’s only now that we are seeing concreted and asphalted roads,” said Prakash D., a Mangammanapalya resident. “The advantage for Mr. Reddy is that he is the resident of this area and knows our problems,” said Manjunath, a resident of Hongansandra. After being elected, Mr. Reddy has worked to improve roads, side drains and drinking water supply. “Some Rs. 350 crore is being spent on various works in the area,” said Mr. Reddy, adding that works for an estimated Rs. 865 crore are on the cards. The Bommanahalli Main Road, once a bumpy stretch, is now in far better shape. As the road proceeds towards Hongasandra, there are signs of development: new drains are being built while the side drains are being repaired. But as usual, it is the sharp voter who has the last word. “Of course, there is a difference in the quality of drains that are being laid in different areas,” said Savitramma, Hongasandra resident, mincing no words.
