Thaindian News

Thiruvananthapuram, July 29 (IANS) Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Friday sought the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the speedy development of the state.

Chandy made the plea while delivering the inaugural address at the Tripartite Portfolio Review Meeting of ADB assisted projects organised by the union finance ministry’s department of economic affairs (DEA).

“Our plans for the development of Kerala are elaborate and ambitious. Institutions like the ADB can play a very major role in assisting the state in its developmental efforts through infusion of resources as well as by bringing ideas and experiences from across the world,” said Chandy.

He also pointed out that ‘Water For All’ being the theme of ADB, the state is interested in getting its technical and financial assistance for restoring and rehabilitating water resources.

“I am happy that one of the projects which will be reviewed today is the Kerala State Urban Development Project which aims to upgrade urban services in the five municipal corporations in the state. Our government is committed to successfully completing this project in a time-bound manner,” added Chandy.

But Chandy also made a request to the ADB to keep in mind that there are often local conditions which sometimes lead to unavoidable delays in implementation, despite the best of intentions and the efforts of local authorities.

“I request the DEA and ADB to take a relook at some of ADB’s charges and how these can be kept to the least minimum for borrowers, especially since repayment of these loans are the responsibility of borrowing state governments,” said Chandy.