MUMBAI, Nov. 18 -- In the run-up to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections in January 2025, citizens from B Ward in Dongri and C Ward in Marine Lines have jointly unveiled a "Public Promise and Accountability Affidavit" - a citizen-centric manifesto focused on transparency, governance and basic service delivery from their elected representative. The document outlines a five-year commitment to residents and establishes a public contract through which voters may hold their elected representatives accountable. The document, drawn up by Bhendi Bazaar resident Abbas Chatriwala, will be presented to the candidates once the list is finalised. "Each candidate would formally declare their intent to use the full authority of the corporator's office to deliver cleaner neighbourhoods, safer public infrastructure, improved healthcare and education facilities, and enhanced financial transparency in civic operations. The affidavit is structured around two major themes: essential municipal services and long-term welfare measures," said Chatriwala. The manifesto focuses on infrastructure accountability. Candidates will be asked to pledge that they will enforce stricter contractor responsibilities for roads, drainage and civil works, an area of chronic concern in Mumbai. "If they need our votes, they should commit to pushing for longer defect-liability periods, seeking an increase of warranties to 10 years for regular asphalt roads and 20 years for cement-concrete roads. The manifesto states that contractors whose work deteriorates during the warranty period must repair it immediately, failing which candidates vow to demand heavy daily penalties and blacklisting measures," said Chatriwala. Kashifa A Khan, a resident of Dongri in B ward said, "The issues are common to both B and C wards. I drive my kids to school and the potholes appear after one week of filling them. We want an undertaking from our corporators to at least guarantee us good roads." Corporator candidates will also be made to promise 100% daily garbage collection and street sweeping, regular monitoring of sanitation staff, and the maintenance of open, garbage-free drains throughout the year. Ahead of every monsoon, they will pledge to ensure timely desilting of major nullahs to prevent flooding. Water leakages and theft, the affidavit notes, will be reported and addressed promptly to guarantee a fair and reliable supply for all residents. Financial transparency is another pillar of the manifesto which demands the publication of all ward-level expenditure, with details of every project made public. Beyond basic civic infrastructure, the affidavit outlines a welfare-driven agenda focusing on health, education, and community support. Citizens also seek to establish a free or highly affordable primary healthcare dispensary within their ward by utilising vacant BMC spaces and collaborating with NGOs and CSR-funded organisations. Education reforms include commitments to upgrade BMC school facilities by ensuring clean toilets, drinking water, fans, and security systems. The manifesto also promises efficient distribution of free educational benefits-uniforms, books, and materials, on the first day of each school year, eliminating delays that often affect students from low-income families....