BMC Market complex inaugurated at Unit-II Market Building in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 31: A dispensary was converted into a 10-bed hospital here today to mark Local Self-Government Day.

The conversion of the Brahmeswarpatana dispensary into a hospital has cost the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) nearly Rs 30 lakh.

A number of new projects, including a park and market complex, were opened in the city on the eve of Local Self-Government Day yesterday.

An exclusive garment market in Unit II area has been built for Rs 73 lakh. There are 54 shops in the complex. The park was opened in Madhusudan Nagar.

The last two days have been extremely busy for the BMC authorities. Yesterday, the corporation also opened two crematoriums at Kapilaprasad and Badagada while inaugurating the new-look Chua pond near Ghatikia.

“We have focused on the inauguration of completed projects. In the coming days we will also try our best to resolve people’s problems related to drainage facilities and repair of roads,” said mayor Anant Narayan Jena.

Foundation stones were laid for the proposed night shelter at Bhimapur and a meat market at Ghatikia. The corporation has already completed the street lighting projects on stretches including Khandagiri Square and Barmunda and Jayadev Vihar Square and Mayfair Sqaure.

However, the corporation authorities have failed to complete the beautification project of Bindusagar Lake which they had planned to inaugurate today.

However, city residents feel that instead of going on a foundation-laying spree, the corporation should address genuine problems that people face.

“The corporation only lays emphasis on foundation laying but fails to expedite the execution of projects. They must ensure that residents get all basic amenities,” said Prasant Dash, a resident of VSS Nagar.

The corporation is being criticised for failing to start the construction of three proposed foot over-bridges in the city.

Last year on this occasion, the civic body had laid the foundation for these foot over-bridges near Jayadev Vihar Square, Master Canteen Square and Rama Devi Women’s College.