Bhubaneswar, Oct. 4: Residents of Nageswar Tangi (ward No. 55) today spoke about their problems during an interactive session with mayor Ananta Narayan Jena and local MLA and tourism minister Ashok Chandra Panda.

Garbage disposal, adequate water supply, power cuts and security of the elderly were the major issues that were discussed at the programme.

"Without the regular clearing of garbage and proper management of the bins at the primary collection points, the area is beginning to stink. Old sewer lines are leaking at many places," said 65-year-old retired banker Narayan Mohanty.

Jitendra Patnaik, 65, a former engineer with the state government, said: "Many people who are constructing or remodelling their houses are leaving building materials on the roads causing problems to commuters. The civic authorities should take immediate action against them."

Arati Rout, 70, a homemaker staying at the Housing Board Colony, complained of inadequate water supply. "The civic body must ensure proper water supply," she said.

Curator with the state museum and local resident Suchismita Mantry, 40, spoke of the problems that the residents face due to frequent power cuts.

Councillor Seema Nayak admitted that a major issue was taking care of the elderly. "Many elderly people live alone in flats as their children are away. When they are sick, providing them medicine on time has become a major problem," she said.

Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena said: "The detailed project report is ready for the renovated market complex at Nageswar Tangi and the tender process will start shortly. Collection of property tax by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation will help the city take up more development work."