CHENNAI: Over the past few months, the City Corporation has been laying concrete roads in several residential areas as part of its plan to make the city’s roads long-lasting.
But not many residents are happy with these new roads as they point out how the concrete topping has made their localities dustier, comparing to the tar roads.
“Initially we were very happy that concrete roads are being laid, since it was after years of misery with bad roads. But now, a large amount of dust is entering our houses,” says G Rangathal, a resident of Zachariya Colony Main Road.
Since the concrete roads stand elevated by almost 10 inches at the entrance of most houses, residents fear that it may result in water entering the houses during rainy season.
“The Corporation had removed the old tar surface. Still, the concrete roads are raised,” says S Suresh Kumar, who owns an apartment in Zachariya Colony.
The gap between the concrete road and pedestrian pathways pose a risk to motorists.
A thicker concrete road means the manholes have actually sunk below the surface.
However, Corporation officials assure that the present complaints will be looked into once the work is completed.
“The gap between the concrete road and the pathway will be filled by laying tiles, for which we will call for tenders soon. The manhole surface issue will be rectified by the Metro Water Board. They have to make suitable changes to the manholes to level them with the road surface. Once these things are done, there won’t be any complaints,” says S Sakthi, Chairman, Zone 9 of Chennai Corporation.