Rs 76 cr to repair damaged roads in Ernakulam district

To repair roads within three weeks in Ernakulam district in Kerala, which were damaged in the recent heavy rains, the State government has decided to provide Rs 76.15 crore, said the State Works Minister VK Ebrahim Kunju on August 19 in Kochi.

Due to the heavy rains, a total stretch of 485 km has been damaged in the district. Agencies such as BSNL and Kerala Water Authoritywill not be allowed to dig up roads from May to October, the Minister said.

He added that at least 25 roads in the district have been damaged due to the apathy of these agencies. For ensuring the quality of relaid roads, technical audit will be made mandatory, Ebrahim Kunju promised. Purchase bills of bitumen, metal, etc would be scrutinised to prevent irregularities. Executive engineers concerned would be entrusted with the monitoring, the Minister said.