CHENNAI: As part of the Greater Chennai Corporation's ongoing public outreach programme to address citizen grievances, Mayor R Priya met residents in wards 70 and 74 on Thursday.

Minister of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department Sekar Babu inaugurated the day’s programme. He also visited the anganwadi and instructed officials to take measures to rectify any shortcomings there. The minister assured that officials will immediately address civic issues raised by the public.

Some of the concerns that citizens raised were changing of electricity boxes, signage placement, and clearance of garbage. The construction of a compound wall for canals is also being planned based on public request.

Removing abandoned vehicles from roads, repairing electrical wires, removing building waste and garbage, identifying defects in anganwadi centres were also brought up.

"All queries and requests are being directed to departments concerned so that immediate action can be taken,” said Mayor Priya.

She added that after the Northeast monsoon, at least 5,000 roads with potholes caused by heavy rainfall have been identified. “As many as 3,000 roads are being repaired while new roads are being laid on stretches that are not suitable for patch work. Since the rains have stopped, the road repair and construction work will be expedited."

Asked about the recent hike in the property tax, she said the GCC is charging tax as per regulations, and it is considerably low compared to other States.