Repair roads in 3 weeks, orders High Court

KOCHI: The distinct lack of will and commitment on the part of the state government and local bodies has led to the pitiful condition of the roads, the Kerala High Court said on Thursday.Justice Harun-ul-Rasheed directed state government to repair state highways, national highways and Public Works Department roads within three weeks.The court further directed Cochin Corporation to repair and maintain roads in the city and its suburbs during the same period.The orders were issued on a petition by C P Ajith Kumar of Suburban Travels seeking a directive to the Cochin Corporation and PWD to complete the maintenance work of the roads as early as possible.At least five months in a year can be classified as wet due to monsoon and there have been no pro-active methods by the authorities to counter the damage caused to the roads due to persistent rain. Poor planning of civic amenities is the reason for traffic jam and water-logging, it said.No decision has been taken with regard to the execution of performance guaranteed by the contractors who construct the road.It is sad to notice that neither the Cochin Corporation nor the PWD are seen taking any steps in this regard, the court  added.