CHENNAI: It was a grand plan to lay concrete roads through `33 crore Infrastructure and Amenities charges to end the bumpy rides to the Koyambedu market, one of the biggest in Asia.
But two years after the road was laid, it has been more of a concern rather than relief for traders who depend on the arterial roads to supply perishable fruits, vegetables as well as flowers to the market daily.
The roads have been poorly laid and developed potholes and cracks at various places. It looks like they won’t last even for another couple of years. The stretch between Gate 3 and Gate 18 is poorly laid, says a trader while pointing out the cracks. Even a manhole has caved in putting into question the quality of work undertaken by Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority. Even a manhole has caved in putting into question the quality of work undertaken by Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority.
“We thought the roads would last for more than 10 years. However, it is not even two years and the roads have started developing cracks,” said another trader.
The issue also figured during a recent meeting of the market management committee (MMC). It also learnt that Chennai Metropolitan Development Authorityhas yet to hand over the roads to MMC.
“On what basis will they hand over such roads to MMC. The quality of work is shoddy. It lacks proper specifications. Chennai Metropolitan Development Authorityshould first fix the responsibility on the officials who were behind the project rather than coming out with flimsy excuses that metro rail work damaged the works,” the trader said. Top CMDA officials could not be reached for the comments.
The traders also sore over the poor construction of the wall of Koyambedu market built at a cost of `234 lakh. “It has not been done properly as per the scheduled tender condition,” a trader alleged.
Meanwhile, the MMC’s plan to hike maintenance charges for Koyambedu market is expected to be discussed at the next MMC meeting.