PWD receives additional Rs 15 lakh for road work

KOCHI: The maintenance work of Kumbalangi-Ezhupunna road got a boost with Public Works Department (PWD) alloting additional fund of Rs 15 lakh for it. Earlier, PWD had kick-started the work with a budget of Rs 15 lakh. However, the Kumbalangi panchayat authorities convinced the State government that the amount was enough to complete the work before the onset of monsoon. “Rs 15 lakh were insufficient for the completion of the project and that prompted us to approach the government for additional funds,” said Usha Pradeep, president, Kumbalangi panchayat.The lifeline of the Kumbalangi village, the 5.6-kilometre-road was in a dilapidated condition after Kerala Water Authority (KWA) dug the road for laying pipeline under a Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission project. Trenching on the road, coupled with lack of maintenance, worsened the situation. In fact, two-wheelers skidding on this road had become a common sight. The road, which was under the control of PWD, was handed over to the district panchayat in 2007. However, the district panchayat did not carry out any maintenance work. The road was again brought under the jurisdiction of PWD after the new grama panchayat council came to power.  PWD carried out restoration of the trenching work with the funds from KWA.  “KWA had deposited the amount with the district panchayat and it was later transferred to PWD for works. Though, the restoration of trenching work was completed, but the maintenance of the road was not carried out,” said a PWD official.He added that the work would start on Friday. He also said that PWD is planning road resurfacing in the next season. “As an immediate solution, we are carrying out the maintenance work and expect it to complete before rains,” the executive engineer said.