KWA, JICA works blocking CRIP

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The authorities of the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) and JICA-assisted water works are posing several hurdles for the City Road Improvement Project (CRIP).  At Murinjapalam, the unscientific laying of pipes for the JICA works is delaying the widening of the Murinjapalam-Pottakuzhy Road. The KWA has also approached the CRIP authorities for the construction of manholes along the upgraded Secretariat-Press Club Road.  According to officials of the Thiruvananthapuram Road Development Company Limited (TRDCL), pipes for the JICA-assisted water works are being laid unevenly on the Murinjapalam road. “We cannot proceed with the works unless they correct it. The upgradation of the stretch may get delayed because of this,” an official said. He, however, added that the work of the Murinjapalam bridge will be completed within the stipulated time. The TRDCL has asked for 200 days to complete the work. The work, which began in November, is likely to be over by June. The TRDCL will soon take up the junction improvement work at Pottakuzhy. The Road Fund Board has submitted the junction improvement plan to the TRDCL, the concessionaire of CRIP. The junction is part of the Pattom-Medical College stretch on Corridor 9. Meanwhile, the KWA has approached the TRDCL for the construction of manholes on the Secretariat-Press Club Road, which was commissioned recently. “They should have done this anytime from 2005. Now, after we completed the works, they have approached us for permission to dig the road,” the TRDCL official said. KWA’s pipe-laying has also delayed the Attakulangara-Enchakkal road work.