Kozhi: Civic bodies and other agencies, which are racing against finishing the road repair works before monsoon, are stuck with the unexpected heavy summer rains.
City Corporation, Greater Cochin Development Authority, Kochi Metro Rail Limited and Public Works Department had to either stop or defer works due to rains. If repairing is not undertaken, it will be risky ride for the city residents during the monsoon.
“Since many of the roads in the eastern areas, from Kaloor to Edappally have been trenched for Reliance 4G cable and KSEB cable laying works, relaying works can’t begin before restoration. Unexpected heavy rains have hit restoration works and the roads are in very bad condition. Even the city road improvement programme by the KMRL also has been affected due to the delay in restoring trenched roads,” said Soumini Jain, corporation works committee chairperson.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the city, contractors are reluctant to start repair works due to intermittent rains. If the road is damaged again, they have to again restore it at their own expense. So, they are waiting for a dry spell to start works.
GCDA chairman N. Venugopal said that despite the rains, the Authority’s road maintenance works have been progressing. “Laying of concrete tiles along Kaloor – Kadavanthra Road and works of Thevara – Thykoodam Bund Road are on. The KK Road will be resurfaced using bitumen macadam and bitumen concrete on a five year guarantee,” he said.
