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The survey indicated that 90 per cent of urban population was not happy with the road facilities, 91 per cent felt that the pollution levels were high, 58 per cent were dissatisfied with transport facilities and 79 per cent not happy with the water supply.

CHENNAI, March 11

A SIGNIFICANT percentage of urban population in the South are dissatisfied with the infrastructure, but have no choice and have to put up with the situation, but are willing to shell out money for better services, according to a citizen survey by the Confederation of Indian Industry— Southern Region (CII).

The survey was part of a study on `Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Southern Region — Integrated Approach.' The survey was to assess the status of urban infrastructure in Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi and Pondicherry.

The findings were based on the opinions of the people on services such as transport, roads, water supply, solid waste management, sewerage and response of local bodies, and pollution and road safety.

The survey of a sample group indicated that 90 per cent of urban population was not happy with the road facilities, 91 per cent felt that the pollution levels were high, 48 per cent felt that the city roads were unsafe, 58 per cent were dissatisfied with transport facilities and 79 per cent were not happy with the water supply.

However, 89 per cent were willing to pay toll for quality roads that would reduce transit time and 65 per cent were willing to pay a premium for better and comfortable public transport facilities.

According to the CII, significant improvements in services and comfort levels in public transport facilities would help to attract middle and upper middle class citizens to use public transport. This would help ease the traffic congestion and save energy. Water supply and sewerage management system was a major area of concern.

Road accidents were high when compared to other regions particularly in cities having poor traffic management systems. The survey noted that improved road conditions also contributed to increase in accidents due to rash driving.

According to CII, policy makers in State capitals were making efforts to tackle the situation and the reforms process in important urban bodies has demonstrated significant improvements in efficiency levels.

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