Empty spool on Choolaimedu High Road puts motorists, pedestrians in danger’s way

The shop owners in Choolaimedu High Road said that the undergroundcable laying works on the road was taken up by the Tangedco a few weeks ago and the works were completed recently. “But the officials did not remove the emptied spool,” a shop owner, on the condition of anonymity, said.

When DT Next visited the spot, the huge spool was found lying near a shop and it was surrounded by earth andconstruction waste. Choolaimedu High Road is one of the major interior roads in the central region as it connects Nelson Manickam Road and Arcot Road.

“We requested the officials to remove not only the empty spool but also push the garbage bins to the roadside.The narrow road is witnessing heavy traffic flow, but the road is in a derelict condition with unattended road cuts and potholes,” the shop owner added.

Apart from creating traffic issues, the empty spool is also posing danger to the motorists. “Two-wheeler riders, who ride close to the roadside, have to be extra cautious. The earth and construction waste would result in mishaps,” M Gopi, a two-wheeler ride on the road, said.

Gopi added that the side streets connecting Choolaimedu High Road are also in a similar condition.

“If one street is rife with unattended road cuts, another is full of construction materials. While road cuts, effects our backbone, debris and construction materials pose a danger of accidents. The Chennai Corporation should take measures to make the Choolaimedu High Road and abutting streets ridable” he urged.

Meanwhile, a hotel owner pointed out the frequent clogging of underground sewer lines. Despite officials clearedthe sewer line, he said that he lost business for nearly a week when the sewage leaked near his hotel recently.

When contacted, a Chennai Corporation official said that the Choolaimedu High Road would be repaired after the model code of conduct ceases in the State. “We will ask the Tangedco to remove the spool from the road,” he assured.