KOCHI: In a symbolic protest against the bad condition of roads in the city corporation limits, the United Democratic Front (UDF) councillors on Friday “repaired” a pothole on Chittoor Road using glue. The high court on Thursday asked whether the roads in Kochi are pasted to the ground using glue for them to fall into disrepair at the first sight of monsoon.
Councillor Henry Austin said reluctance of the government to implement the road annuity scheme that was presented in the road conclave held in 2011 and the state’s failure in implementing a special package for road development in Kochi are the main reasons for the poor conditions of roads in the city limits.
Councilors Minimol V K, Zakir Thammanam, Manu Jacob, Abhilash Toppil, Mini Dileep, Sena Teacher, Lailadas, Jeeja Tenson, Shaila Thaddeus, Bensi Benny, Mini Vivera, Shanta Teacher and Rajini Mani took part in the protest.
The delay in passing bills of contractors is badly affecting the quality of road works in the city, alleged the councillors who took part in the protest.
They have also alleged that currently the works are being carried out without any guarantee. Another important drawback is that the warranty period for roads built in BM&BC standards has been reduced to three years, they alleged.
The councillors have also blamed the mayor for being indifferent to their complaints regarding the bad condition of roads in the city.
