Citizen Connect: Debris, discarded construction materials force motorists to skip Pammal Giri Gori Street

The Giri Gori street at Pasumpon Nagar near Pammal, which was used by hundreds of motorists to reach Kundrathur main road, was closed for nearly a month after the municipality undertook underground sewage work. But even after the road was opened after completion of the work a week ago, motorists are avoiding the stretch as debris, left over construction materials and other wastes have rendered the street narrow.

Residents allege that the local body is yet to rectify the situation, officials maintain that it was a shortage of workers that has led to the situation.

Recently, the municipality started the underground sewer work, and closed the road while the work was on. However, even though the work has been completed, huge cables and debris among other waste is yet to be removed from the spot where the sewer work was taken up.

Local residents and motorists who used to take this street regularly complained many of them were forced to travel addition distance while taking another route to reach Kundrathur main road because the waste on the road posed threat for them, especially the two-wheel riders. According to them, despite approaching the civic officials repeatedly, no action was forthcoming.

“Several people have suffered injuries when they tried to cross the stretch because of big stones, debris and iron rods,” alleged P Kannappan, who resides near Giri Gori Street. “The work was completed a week ago, but they still have not cleared the road,” he said, adding that he had personally gone to Pammal Municipality and met officials to raise the issue. “But not even a single stone has been cleared,” Kannappan said.

K Vadivelu, a milk vendor, said he was no longer able to enter the street from Kundrathur main road because his milk container is big. “I am forced to take another route, which is very long,” he said.

Local residents added that some were parking their vehicles along the road, making it difficult for them to pass through the road even by walk. “During night hours, as the streetlights are not very bright, pedestrians too are facing problem due to the poor condition of the street,” said S Mallikka who owns a provision store on Giri Gori street.

When asked about the complaints, a senior official from Pammal Municipality said the work could not be completed on time due to labour shortage. “In addition, release of payment was also delayed,” the official added on condition of anonymity, but assured that the problem would be resolved within a week.