A really smelly problem this!

CHENNAI: Residents of Pattabiram, a residential locality that comes under the Avadi Municipality, have continuously been facing problems when it comes to getting the septic tanks of their houses cleaned. The municipality has given out the cleaning job to a private contractor, and residents allege that they are harassed when they ask for his services.Earlier, the municipality was responsible for clearing the septic tanks, but for the past few years, the work has been given to GMR Transport. The prescribed rate for those living in their own houses is Rs 300, for residents in rented premises Rs 400 and commercial establishments, Rs 500. These rates have not been revised since 2003, according to an official in the municipality. The contractor, on the other hand, charges Rs 1,200 for everyone. Roy Rosario, a resident of the area and General Secretary of People’s Voice (a federation of residents' associations), says, “This is almost four times the given rate. We agree that the rates have not been revised for a long time, but the amount is preposterous. An average middle-class family cannot afford to pay so much just to get their septic tank cleaned.” He also adds that the cleaners insist on coming only past midnight, which is inconvenient for all residents. Raja, a mason, says that the contractors are not above cheating. “I called them for a week before they agreed to come to my house and clean. I paid them ` 900 after a lot of bargaining, but they did not give me a receipt. Later, when I called them to confirm when they would be coming, they denied getting any money from me,” he says. With more than 50,000 people in the 64 square kilometre area, the tanks get filled up at least once or twice a year, depending on the usage and rain water seepage. Machinery is used to clear  the sludge, which is then supposed to be dumped in an area called Sekkadu. But the cleaners take an easy way out and dump the foul-smelling cargo in an unused patch of land on the MTH Road. Speaking to City Express, Councillor of Ward 44, Banumathi, said that she had taken note of the problem. “At the next council meeting, I will be moving to have this contract revoked and invite tenders for a new contract. Residents should not be put through such hardships,” she said.