kochi: The City Corporation can now go ahead with the development and civil works that had come to a standstill owing to the model code of conduct, announced ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The civic body will write to the State Election Commission, seeking relaxation of the code of conduct to resume civil works.
“Though tenders for many urgent works were submitted, the Corporation could not approve them in the wake of the conduct code. We will be able to sign contract agreements for road works, non-road maintenance works and drain-cleaning only after getting the EC's permission. The Corporation will submit a list of emergency works that should be taken on priority to the Commission,” said Soumini Jain, Corporation Works Committee Chairperson.
The code of conduct is in force till the completion of the polls but the civic body can now go ahead with the projects that were put on hold and can approve tenders of civil works, with special permission from the EC. Pre-monsoon drain cleaning works and road repair will start soon. But the 10-day-long holiday will further slow down the works.
“Now, the civic body has to race against time in completing the routine cleaning works before next month. Many of the works, especially road repair and de-silting of drains, have been stuck midway. It will take one more week to send an official request to the Election Commission. The work can be started soon after the tenders are approved,” Ms Jain added.
