KOCHI: At a time when roads are in a pathetic state, the Kochi Corporation has come up with a bunch of lame excuses for not repairing them. The Corporation on Thursday submitted before the Kerala High Court that paucity of funds, contractors’ protest and heavy rain prevent the Corporation from completing road repair and maintenance on time. The Corporation has also sought a time period of four months to complete the repair work of damaged roads in the city. On September 1, the High Court had directed the Corporation to complete the road work with in three weeks. Corporation secretary submitted an affidavit stating that heavy downpour and adverse climate conditions have affected the work. However, it has taken steps to carry out the work utilising the Plan Fund and maintenance grant. In many cases even though tenders have been invited the heavy downpour has obstructed the work, he submitted. The Corporation pointed out there was lack of sufficient funds to carry out the repair work of all roads within the Corporation limits, in a single phase. The Corporation has to pay over Rs. 30 crore to contractors who have completed the work during past two years. The money could not be paid due to lack of funds. Due to the non-payment of funds contractors are on severe protest and even abstain from submitting tenders, the Corporation secretary said. He said the entire work was expected to be completed in four months. Justice Harun-ul-Rashid posted the case for hearing to Sept 27.
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