Kottayam: The Public Works Department (PWD) has left hundreds of kilometres of ruined roads in the district unattended, days after floodwaters have receded. A PWD estimate says 1,807 km of roads in the central district are in shambles after the recent heavy rain and flooding that happened twice in an interval of a month. However, they have no answer when queried how soon the repair work would begin, but the National Highways Authority has already assigned contracts to repair its roads.
The PWD report states it incurred a loss of Rs 2.50 crore in the torrential rain that lashed the district during the first week of July. Sanction was obtained for e-tender to repair potholes that were formed on the main roads of the district. However, no action has been taken yet to call for the tender.
Potholes that had developed in the first flood turned into huge pits in the second one and soon several roads looked like streams. Roads built as per BM (Bituminous Macadam) and BC (Bituminous Concrete) specifications were also washed away in the incessant rain and flooding. Potholes and pits were found on 90% of the roads in the district. However, there is yet no action to fix them.
The PWD executive engineer claimed that action is in progress. The chief engineer is inspecting the roads after receiving reports from PWD officials in the district, he claimed, assuring that renewal work on the roads will begin soon.
Bridges under inspection
The PWD has started testing the strength of bridges that were inundated. Sixteen bridges in Kottayam district were submerged. Approach roads of Ithipuzha bridge had sank several times. The Pazhayidam and Mukkampetti causeways across Manimalayar and Pampayar, respectively, will be inspected soon for safety.
Granite shortage
It is feared shortage of granite and related products could delay road repair. These products are in great demand as floods have damaged roads extensively in nearby Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts too. However, supply is limited as only a handful of quarries has permission to work in the district, though they are in operation in Pathanamthitta and Kollam districts. The shortage is likely to lead to price rise, further hindering extensive repair work.
