Ward councillors in Chennai complain of shortage of road workers to fix potholes

Councillors of the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) have complained of inadequate manpower to carry out repair works on damaged roads in residential areas.

Owing to a delay in repairing potholes, councillors have demanded that the GCC fill the vacant posts of road workers in many wards. Ward 61 councillor A.S. Fathima Muzaffer said: “We have nine vacancies for the post of road workers. GCC should fill these posts immediately. We are unable to repair damaged roads immediately. Motorcyclists face the danger of being thrown off the vehicle because of potholes and pits on the roads. Pillion riders, particularly women and children, have been affected. Senior citizens and pregnant women have faced a lot of problems.”

“Residents of Tamil Salai, Egmore High Road, Ethiraj Road, Rukmini Salai, Pantheon Road, LG Road, Adithanar Salai, Zakaria Colony, and Don Bosco Road have demanded that the potholes be filled and the stretches be maintained properly,” Ms. Fathima said.

Interior roads including Thulasingam Street, Siyali Street, Tiruvengadam Street, Driver Street, Subrayan Street, Mirmadanali Street, Goyya Thopu Street, Sawarimuthu Street, Basha Street and Narayan Naikar Street have developed potholes, which are yet to be repaired.

R.B. Saravanan, a resident of Nungambakkam, said potholes had developed on interior roads after the recent spell of rain. Ward 4 councillor R. Jayaraman said his ward had only one permanent road worker to repair potholes. “The GCC hired three temporary workers recently. We need 10 workers to resolve civic issues reported by residents about roads. Many roads have potholes. Of the 210 roads, 44 have to be completely relaid. The GCC has not issued a work order,” Mr. Jayaraman said.

Ward 42 councillor M. Renuka said only three road workers were taking on the responsibility of repairing potholes in her ward. “The workers clear encroachments on the stretches, remove construction debris on the road if the private contractor doesn’t. The workers ensure that the road is in good shape. We need more of them, at least 10,” she added.