Thiruvananthapuram: Valiathura pier, which has survived several years of apathy, will soon have a side protection wall. The main structure, however, which has withered away, will have to wait longer for renovation, according to sources. Any delay could further destroy this pier, which when opened in 1956, was the only port along South Kerala coast.
In about two weeks, Harbour Engineering Department intends to begin work on the side protection wall. They will excavate and fill the trenches with gabeon rocks. Above this prefabricated structures will be erected. This work too had got delayed. The prefabricated structures have been lying ready for month. But it is learnt that they were finding it difficult to source 500 loads of rock. Now, sources say that this problem has been solved.
The gabeon wires are being tested, and they only need to wait for test results, they say. The side wall protection work alone is estimated to cost Rs 1.7 crore.
For the fishermen here, Valiathura pier is not just a landmark that looks pretty on postcards. They use it during the rough weather season, to launch their ‘chalathadi’, or catamarans.
“The pier would extend beyond rough waves, earlier. However, now, we have to rely on small boats with engines. An engine would cost Rs 1.5 lakhs. The boat would cost as much. One has to have at least Rs 3 lakhs to own a boat that can be used,” says V.M. Justin, a fisherman. Now the beach is covered with engine-attached boats. There are about 120 such boats, and very few catamarans.
