THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Monsoon showers that extended beyond Onam continue to impede Public Works Department (PWD) road repair schedules in all constituencies in the capital, say officials. For instance, the PWD had issued a press statement last month claiming that the Vazhuthacaud-Pangode road would be repaired by August 28. But the nearly Rs 4 crore work has not even begun until Monday.
“We started the work early in the morning on August 19 but it rained in a few hours. The base mixture from the plant had to be discarded and works had to be postponed. We will need at least two days of sun to start the work,” said a senior official. Many roads were in a shambles in areas such as Fort, Poojapura and Bartonhill areas. Motorists complained that floods in the district earlier this week had only worsened the state of roads. “Kuriyathi- Manacaud road for example had potholes. All of them have become bigger after the recent showers. More than in a pothole- prone area, stray holes on otherwise good roads cause more harm to the spine while speeding in a vehicle,” said Manu Thomas, physiotherapist.
The situations were not different in nearby Peyad- Thirumala, Attakul-angara- Killipalam road. “While asphalt is laid even during rains in foreign countries, such works require more expenditure. To ensure longevity and avoid a bad reputation we will only be able to start after the monsoon,” the official added.
