HYDERABAD: Wars have been fought over water, so have elections. In Secunderabad Cantonment constituency, water supply is likely to be the deciding factor in the close contest between Union minister and Congress’ candidate Sarve Satyanarayana and TRS MLA in the previous Assembly, G Sayanna.
“The Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) depends on HMW&SB for bulk water supply everyday,” says Sarve Satyanarayana. “The water board charges Rs 13.5 per kilolitre of water under SCB limits, whereas they charge only Rs 7 for the same quantity for areas under the GHMC.”
Satyanarayana has promised the irked residents that he would reduce the cost of water, increase supply from the current once a week. Similarly, Satyanarayana has raked up other issues like roads closure, a proposal for new secretariat on Bison Polo grounds and Gymkhana grounds and extension of Metro rail till Bollaram. Upgradation of Bollaram hospital is also on the cards, he said adding that corruption in SCB would be investigated.
Speaking to media persons, Satyanarayana said, “Secunderabad cantonment assembly constituency MLA and MP have failed to work with the state and Central government to redevelop or relocate the slums, with due property rights.”
However, when contacted TRS’ candidate and former MLA Sayanna dismissed criticisms of water supply issues and said, “Rs14 crore dues are yet to be paid by SCB to the HMW&SB”. He also claimed, “When Satyanarayana was the Union Minister he neglected many issues of the cantonment. TRS government has only allocated funds for cantonment developments works.”