The Erode Corporation has earmarked nearly Rs. 1 crore for re-laying the severely battered Sampath Nagar Road here.

The
road was reduced to shambles when the civic administration laid sewage
pipelines as a part of its underground drainage project. Though the
workers completed the pipeline work several weeks ago, they failed to
re-lay the road or carry out repairs immediately. As a result, the road
remained in bad condition, giving nightmarish experience to its users.

The
road witnesses heavy traffic as it connects the Collectorate complex
and Integrated Court complex. It also connects the Collector’s camp
office and the residences of many senior officials in the district.

“The entire Sampath Nagar area is in a state of disorder because of the badly damaged road,” a senior official pointed out.

“The
constant vehicular movement on the stretch sends up clouds of dust,
causing discomfort to pedestrians and officials in the area,” he said.

Pedestrians
had to cover their face when they walked because of the dirt. “We
learnt that the civic body allotted funds for re-laying the road. But we
don’t know why there is a delay in commencing the work,” said N.
Seenivasan, a resident in the area.

When contacted,
Mayor Mallika Paramasivam said that the work would be taken up after
getting the approval from the council. “We have allotted the sum from
our General fund,” she said.

“We will commence the work in the first week of March and finish it quickly,” Corporation Commissioner M. Vijayalakshmi assured.