I'll retire from politics if MLA Kamath can prove his allegations: JR Lobo

Mangaluru: I’ll retire from active politics if Mangaluru South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath proves that the work done under the Karnataka Urban Development and Coastal Environmental Management Project (KUDCEMP) was of poor quality, announced former MLA JR Lobo responding to MLA Kamath’s recent allegation that Lobo was responsible for the drinking water problem being faced by the city since the quality of the work done under KUDCEMP was substandard.

MLA Kamath had also alleged that the poor quality of work had compelled the district administration to resort to water rationing.

In response to the allegation Mr Lobo said that he was ready to participate in an open discussion on the issue with MLA Kamath and any other experts and if the MLA succeeds to prove his allegation, he would leave active politics.

“If he proves his point I’m ready to retire from active politics, but is he ready to do the same if he fails to prove his point,” asked Lobo and added that though Rs 170 crore was earmarked for the first phase of the KUDCEMP, the amount was reduced to Rs 110 crore from the total funds since the MAs, MPs and MCC members urged to retain Rs 41 crore from the funds for drainage connection.

“Therefore, it was not possible to provide water connections to every family. The lack of funds also prevented us from changing the old PVC pipeline of around 4000km to provide water to the public. With the available fund, only 750km of new water pipeline was laid which has led to the present drinking water problem,” he explained and added that leakage in water pipeline is another reason for the crises.

“Around 30% of water is lost due to leakage in old PVC pipeline. The total amount of Rs 170 crore was made available for water connections; the situation would have been different. Unaware of the facts, Kamath is indulging in spreading false allegation against me,” he said.

HDK and not BSY sanctioned the new vented dam proposal

Clarifying on the proposal of the new vented dam at Thumbay Mr Lobo explained that it was not sanctioned by former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa as claimed by Kamath, but was sanctioned by HD Kumaraswamy in 2007. “The MLA must verify his facts before speaking,” advised Mr Lobo.