Seepz may get a facelift

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and the Seepz Development Commissioner’s Office (SDCO) have started cleaning up the garbage pile in Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone (Seepz). The two agencies are also co-ordinating to improve the security systems and support infrastructure in buildings.

The action follows a report by ET in its August 4 edition about the deteriorating infrastructure in Seepz. “Soon after the article came out, Seepz authorities called for a meeting with us. This is perhaps, the first communication from the authorities in a long time,” says Satish Parchure, MD, US Interactive, an IT solutions company inside Seepz.

The first meeting was called on August 12, ’06, by Baldev Singh, joint development commissioner, and it was attended by officials from SDCO, MIDC and companies in Seepz.

Mr Singh informed that every building in Seepz will have a committee with one representative from MIDC. These committees will identify the problems and communicate them to the development commissioner’s office. There will also be an apex committee which will take care of the overall infrastructure —roads, garbage disposal, street lights, etc.

MIDC too is trying to get its act together. It has plans to embark on a number of infrastructure projects. SD Dhote, chief engineer, MIDC, says, “We are planning to upgrade existing infrastructure. We will be constructing a multi-level parking and improve water supply inside Seepz.” The implementing agency — MIDC — is constructing a water reservoir to store water, expected to be completed by December, ’07.

MIDC is also renovating the Seepz entrance, the existing security system. “The bids have been invited and we will award the contracts soon,” says Mr Dhote. The Central government will also grant another Rs 10 crore for the purpose, adds Mr Dhote.

Software services company Mastek’s spokesperson, points out that there has been a change in the attitude of the security personnel. “Earlier getting a visitors’ pass was tough but now that is not the case.” Mr Parchure adds, “The garbage dumps below the buildings have also been removed.”