Protests erupt over delayed renovation of Bazar Road in Mattancherry

Kochi: Protests are brewing against lackadaisical attitude of authorities in completing Bazar Road relaying works near Jeevamatha Church area in Mattancherry. Many, including believers and priests, waded through muddy water on the road to carry out a procession as part of Palm Sunday on April 13.
According to Kochi corporation opposition leader Antony Kureethara, authorities who undertook renovation of various other roads in the area did not take over relaying of Bazar Road. "People living in the area are facing difficulties. In the past few days, there were summer showers and potholes on the road were filled with water. If authorities are unable to complete the work before the onset of monsoon, the plight of local will worsen," said Kureethara. "We have lodged complaints with corporation authorities, district collector and CSML officials. Interestingly, councillor from the division is the deputy mayor," he said.
According to deputy mayor KA Ansiya, corporation will soon take steps to renovate the road. "Even before we assumed office, CSML took over renovation of many roads in the area. Though we asked the agency to include the renovation of Bazar Road in Smart City project, they refused citing a lack of funds. Moreover, tenure of the project is expiring," said Ansiya. "So, we earmarked Rs 28 lakh from corporation's own funds to relay the road under BMBC method. But contractors did not take part in the tender. We again invited tenders but in vain. Many of the contractors who carry out Kochi corporation's road works are not ready to undertake BMBC roadworks. However, now we have approached PWD contractors. It is expected that the work can be started next month," she said.