With some of the roads, that were repaired recently on a five-year guarantee basis, developing potholes during the monsoon rains, the government will soon ask the contractors to carry out the repair works immediately.
The contractors who fail to carry out the repair works will be blacklisted.
The decision was announced here on Sunday by Excise Minister K Babu. He was speaking after attending the review meeting on monsoon calamities.
The Minister’s order came in the wake of the report submitted by the authorities concerned on the bad state of the city roads that were repaired only a few months back. The Minister also instructed the district administration to complete the rehabilitation of the victims of last year’s landslide at Kadavoor near Kothamangalam.
Regarding the rehabilitation, Ernakulam District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth said land had been identified for distribution among 10 families.
“Each family will be given 50 cents and the proceedings will be completed within 10 days,” he said.
The Revenue Department had identified two different plots at Kadavoor village for the rehabilitation. During the rainy season, another major issue is falling down of trees.
“In the case of decayed roadside trees that pose a threat to the people’s safety, the Collector should be given a discretionary power to take action. We will request the government to take a decision in this regard,” Babu said.
At present, a special committee monitored by the local bodies has the right to take a decision on axing of trees on public places. Although this system will continue, the Collector will also be given the power to issue order for cutting down such trees. “However, if one tree is being chopped off, then another one should be planted on the spot,” the Minister said.
At the meeting, District Supply Officer said free ration had already been allotted to eligible persons, including fishermen, on the basis of the list handed over to the department by the respective local bodies.
The meeting also decided to distribute necessary utensils and beds to nearly 400 families at two relief camps at Chellanam.
MLAs Dominic Presentation, V P Sajeendran and Hibi Eden and Mayor Tony Chammany also attended the meeting.