The road ahead

KOCHI: The repair works on major as well as arterial roads in the city are likely to begin once the rain subsides. Announcing the decision to carry out  repair works immediately after the monsoon, Mayor Tony Chammany at the Council meeting held on Tuesday, said that the civic body had already sought the State Government’s aid in this regard. However, the Mayor failed to give an exact date for the commencement of work, which invited strong protest from the opposition members, who later staged a walkout from the meeting.“As per the instructions by the Government, we have already prepared a list of 13 roads that will be handed over to the Public Works Department (PWD) for repair works. The cost for repairing these roads is estimated at Rs 3.75 crore and we expect the state to approve the list in the next Cabinet meeting,” said the Mayor.He said that the civic body would also utilise its special funds for the urgent repair works of three major roads in the city.“These roads include Chittoor Road, Pottakkuzhi Road and Deshabhimani Road,” he added.Expressing his concern over the pathetic condition of the roads, Chammany said that a scientific approach is needed to find a permanent solution to improve the state of the roads. “Every year, during the monsoons, the roads in Kochi turn into a hell for motorists. The situation also raises questions about the quality of many road-repair works. The badly designed roads and poor drainage facilities lead to flooding during rain. Hence, a new method should be introduced keeping in mind specific geographical needs of the city. We will seek expert opinion on this issue and conduct detailed discussions with town planners to chalk out a proper plan for the repair works,“he said.The Mayor said that the Corporation would soon organise a seminar to discuss the flaws of the existing road repair system. The seminar that will be organised in association with the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) will be held  September last week.