Minister G Sudhakaran blames PWD for poor roads

KOCHI: Minister for Public Works G. Sudhakaran lashed out at PWD officials for the poor condition of the roads blaming the apathy of corrupt officials for works not being completed on time. The minister who was in Kochi on Thursday to review the progress of road maintenance works ahead of the FIFA Under – 17 World Cup was furious over the poor state of affairs and shouted at the officials who were present.

The minister’s vehicle got stuck in a traffic jam for more than five minutes caused by the bad condition of roads at Thoppumpady. “Though officials clearly know about the deadline for completing works to facilitate the Under-17 World Cup, they are taking a lackadaisical approach,” the minister alleged. Earlier, addressing the media, the minister said that intermittent rain was delaying road repair works. “We have no successful technology to repair roads during the rains. Funds have already been allocated for road maintenance and the works will begin soon after the rain recedes. The road works in connection with the Under-17 World Cup will be completed by September 30,” he said.

The minister chaired a review meeting during which strict instructions were given to finish works at the earliest. The government had sanctioned Rs.17.77 crore for road development and beautification works in the city as part of Under-17 World Cup. Roads in the city and outskirts, owned by various agencies, are in a very bad condition for long as no annual  maintenance works have been carried out. Rains and the contractors’  boycotting of works citing confusion over  GST on bills are the major reasons cited  for the delay in maintenance works.