In some cases, tenders have been called for and for the rest, work would begin shortly.
Chennai Corporation has initiated numerous infrastructure development projects such as construction of storm water drains, installation of street lights, relaying roads, improving pavements, etc, in all its zones. For Ward 126 of Zone IX too, a substantial amount of money has been allocated towards development work. Some of the projects are already in progress. In some cases, tenders have been called for and for the rest, work would begin shortly.
As part of the development projects, pavements on the Santhome High Road are getting a facelift. To turn the pavements more pedestrian friendly (as they have become old or have been laid unevenly), Chennai Corporation is improving them. From the Foreshore Estate junction up to Mada Church Road — to a length of about 550 metres —relaying began a month ago. The work, which is being done at a cost of nearly Rs. 9 lakhs, will be completed shortly. As part of this maintenance work, the road has also been widened at several places such as the Foreshore Estate arch. “In some areas such as Devanathan Road (320 metres), Venkata Krishna Road (560 metres) and R.K. Mutt Road (330 metres), pavements are being repaired,” said the civic officials.
At Mandavelipakkam
At Mandavelipakkam III Trust Cross Street, the officials plan to lay new pavement on either side of the road. “The pavements will be 1.5 m wide and will be laid along a 400 metres stretch at a cost of Rs. 10 lakhs,” said the civic authorities. The other areas which will have new pavements are Leith Castre I and II Cross Streets. The pavements will be about 1.5 m wide and will be laid along a stretch of more than 100 m.
Other new projects
Under the ward councillor's scheme, some areas in Mandaveli such as the Thiruvallur Pettai, off Jeth Nagar, Mandaveli Street and Vedachalam Garden will soon have a white topping. The Corporation also proposes to open new noon meal centres at different places in the ward. One will be constructed at Kuppaimedu and another on R.K. Nagar II Main Road. Under the Corporation capital funds, each will be built at a cost of Rs. 14 lakhs.
Public conveniences at Andi Manyam Thottam (near Mandaveli bus stand), Thiruvalluvar Pettai, South Canal Bank Road, Norton Road and Loop Road (near Foreshore Estate bus stand) will be repaired as part of annual maintenance at a cost of Rs. 1.5 lakhs.
Constructing Pavements doesn't matter. Saving it from encroachments & getting converted to open air toilets must be curbed. It is high time Chennai corporation, starts building some really useful pay & use toilets (taking some model from some foreign cities). Toilets must be present almost for every 10-15 mins of walk on road. It can work like, drop in a coin to open the door...
Now, coming back to pavements, the pavements in Chennai (if at all present) are not disabled & elderly friendly even by 1%. Proper ramp up & down should be provided. And a small tip to all pedestrians, when you walk on a pavement, if a biker comes honking behind you, don't mind it and start walking even slower, if a bike is parked on pavement obstructing your way, don't mind pushing it down to get way, if a car is parked, don't mind putting a scratch, after all the pavement belongs to you pedestrians, not the 2 & 4 wheelers.
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