PWD constructs and Kerala Water Authority digs up; standoff continues over roads

Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The standoff between most people works division (PWD) and the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) over digging up the newly accomplished roads throughout the state would not seem to complete rapidly.  Even after Public Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas assured that there would not be any dispute between the two departments over freeway chopping, the situation has not improved.

The excavation by the KWA on newly-constructed or renovated roads is rampant, with most people on the receiving end. In the state capital, the division has defaced many roads, creating guests congestion and inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians. The KWA is ending up works in major components throughout the capital, along with Kowdiar, Sasthamangalam, Vellayambalam, Jagathy, Poojappura, Pettah and Vazhuthacaud. Even the small roads is not going to be spared. 

Kamala Chandran, 82, a resident of VJ Lane, expressed happiness when the PWD, after a decade-long wait, decided to tar the steep potholed freeway near her residence.  

“Unfortunately, our joy did not last for long. The road was tarred on Saturday. But, in less than 16 hours, the residents noticed water leakage in two spots on the road. Much to our horror, the KWA authorities started digging the road to repair the damage,” acknowledged Kamala.  

Meanwhile, a excessive official with the PWD defended the KWA’s movement stating that the freeway was dug up as part of the Jal Jeevan Mission. 

“The PWD in December 2022 issued an order stating that the KWA and totally different firms should not excavate the roads with out a authentic trigger and prior permission. Since then, the pointless digging up of roads has been considerably decreased. But exemptions are given in positive areas to carry out the works of the state authorities’s Jal Jeevan Mission. If these works is not going to be executed on time, the fund will lapse.

That acknowledged, the KWA has been requested to cowl the dug-up roads as rapidly as a result of the works are completed,” acknowledged the official. According to a senior engineer with the KWA, the freeway excavation is being carried out as part of the Jal Jeevan Mission and likewise for various standard ingesting water duties throughout the state. 

“As per the Centre’s instruction, the Jal Jeevan Mission project should be completed by March 2024. Hence, the Centre suggested the state government provide an exemption for road cutting. The PWD, while constructing the roads, should leave a space on one side to lay water pipes. As this has not happened in many areas, we are forced to dig up the roads,” he acknowledged.

Prior nod wished 
The PWD in December 2022 issued an order stating that the KWA and totally different firms should not excavate roads with out prior permission.
 Exemptions are given to carry out the works of State’s Jal Jeevan Mission. 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The standoff between most people works division (PWD) and the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) over digging up the newly accomplished roads throughout the state would not seem to complete rapidly.  Even after Public Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas assured that there would not be any dispute between the two departments over freeway chopping, the situation has not improved.

The excavation by the KWA on newly-constructed or renovated roads is rampant, with most people on the receiving end. In the state capital, the division has defaced many roads, creating guests congestion and inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians. The KWA is ending up works in major components throughout the capital, along with Kowdiar, Sasthamangalam, Vellayambalam, Jagathy, Poojappura, Pettah and Vazhuthacaud. Even the small roads is not going to be spared. 

Kamala Chandran, 82, a resident of VJ Lane, expressed happiness when the PWD, after a decade-long wait, decided to tar the steep potholed freeway near her residence.  googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.present(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); );

“Unfortunately, our joy did not last for long. The road was tarred on Saturday. But, in less than 16 hours, the residents noticed water leakage in two spots on the road. Much to our horror, the KWA authorities started digging the road to repair the damage,” acknowledged Kamala.  

Meanwhile, a excessive official with the PWD defended the KWA’s movement stating that the freeway was dug up as part of the Jal Jeevan Mission. 

“The PWD in December 2022 issued an order stating that the KWA and totally different firms should not excavate the roads with out a authentic trigger and prior permission. Since then, the pointless digging up of roads has been considerably decreased. But exemptions are given in positive areas to carry out the works of the state authorities’s Jal Jeevan Mission. If these works is not going to be executed on time, the fund will lapse.

That acknowledged, the KWA has been requested to cowl the dug-up roads as rapidly as a result of the works are completed,” acknowledged the official. According to a senior engineer with the KWA, the freeway excavation is being carried out as part of the Jal Jeevan Mission and likewise for various standard ingesting water duties throughout the state. 

“As per the Centre’s instruction, the Jal Jeevan Mission project should be completed by March 2024. Hence, the Centre suggested the state government provide an exemption for road cutting. The PWD, while constructing the roads, should leave a space on one side to lay water pipes. As this has not happened in many areas, we are forced to dig up the roads,” he acknowledged.

Prior nod wished 
The PWD in December 2022 issued an order stating that the KWA and totally different firms should not excavate roads with out prior permission.
 Exemptions are given to carry out the works of State’s Jal Jeevan Mission.