Kottayam: The Chanthakadavu - Eerayilkadavu road near the Kottayam market is an alternative route and is a major relief during traffic congestion on main roads in Kottayam city. However, the road has turned into a curse for motorists as well as pedestrians with the potholes posing a severe threat.

The road was damaged after Water Authority’s underground pipes burst. The tiny fissures that formed small streams months ago have now widened into deep potholes and the road has been completely damaged in a 10 metre stretch. The water that leaks from the burst pipes fill potholes before it flows away.

Those who ride two-wheelers say that muddy water gets splashed on them when bigger vehicles pass through these potholes. Meanwhile, the public works department authorities say that they are unable to repair the road as the water authority hasn’t fixed the pipes yet. The officials note that the renovated road too will get damaged soon if the repair works are done without fixing the pipes. They claim that the water authority refuses to take any action despite writing to them highlighting the issue months ago.

Those who reside in the vicinity too had complained via the water authority’s complaint registering system. But, they got messages the next day that the problem has been solved. When the water authority’s office was contacted, they said that the messages were sent by mistake. Meanwhile, the public works department is considering paving interlocking bricks in the area as the water authority doesn’t intervene in the matter.