Neglect by authorities force locals of Peringara in Pathanamthitta to raise money, repair road
Road repair in Peringara was completed by residents after government neglect, showcasing community resilience.
Road repair in Peringara was completed by residents after government neglect, showcasing community resilience.
Road repair in Peringara was completed by residents after government neglect, showcasing community resilience.
Peringara: Around 10 families, who are regular users of the Karaykkal – Kochumanalilpady Road in ward 9 of Peringara panchayat in Pathanamthitta district, pooled money among themselves to make half the length of the road motorable, after repeated requests to the authorities to repair the dilapidated stretch failed to yield any response.
The work to develop the road was carried out under the leadership of former panchayat member Annie Mini Thomas. Around 140 m of the 250-m-long road now allows a smooth passage for vehicles. Additionally, the road level has been raised by about three feet with the funds donated by the residents after the authorities ignored the demands to prevent the waterlogging from persisting along the stretch for several years now. The residents collected a total amount of Rs 3 lakh for the work.
“We cannot travel along the road during waterlogging. A woman who needed urgent medical attention during the floods of 2018 couldn’t be taken to the hospital in time, leading to her death,” said a local resident.
About 110 m of the roads remain to be developed. “If the authorities continue to deny aid to repair the remaining 110 m of the road, we will take up that work also,” said a member of the road protection committee formed to develop the stretch. While Annie Mini Thomas inaugurated the newly-built road, Jacob Cherian spoke at the function.