Negotiating the SN Junction-Puthiyakavu stretch on the Ettumanoor-Kottayam Road has become a nightmare for commuters with the road being dug up for pipe-laying work by the Kerala Water Authority (KWA). Adding to the woes is the incessant shower that has made the entire stretch unusable for pedestrians and motorists alike.
According to KWA officials, the road is being dug up as part of the Choondi Drinking Water Project. However, the residents say the authorities have failed to keep their promise that the road repair work will be undertaken simultaneously. “Though the pipe-laying work is almost complete, the authorities are yet to begin repair work. Now, the potholed muddy stretch has turned a death trap for motorists,” they add.
The local people also alleged that the lack of planning on the part of the authorities have led to the present state.
“The pipe-laying work could have been conducted before monsoon. Now, we will have to suffer its consequences for the next six months,” they added.
Meanwhile, the Public Works Department (PWD) officials said they were unable to complete the work with the onset of rain. “However, we did some work, including laying metals on the stretch. Tenders in this regard will be floated soon” a PWD official said.