The Hindu 29.04.2013
Credai to the rescue of city roads
Developers’ body to begin conservancy work on 12 stretches in May.
For Chennaites who have always bemoaned the plight of the city’s roads, relief may be in sight as the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (Credai) – Chennai this week signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chennai Corporation on shouldering responsibility of conservancy and maintenance on 12 roads in the city.
On May 2, EVK Sampath Salai will see a modified, rigorous cycle of cleaning being implemented. Roads such as Pantheon Road will also benefit soon.
The Chennai Corporation council in February passed a resolution permitting Credai to carry out conservancy operation and maintenance on EVK Sampath Salai, Jothi Venkatachalam Salai, Vepery High Road, Raja Muthiah Road, Gandhi Irwin Road, Purasawalkam High Road, Gangadeeswarar Koil Street, Raja Annamalai Road, Narayana Guru Salai, Police Commissioner Office Road, Pantheon Road and Whannels Road.
“This is a CSR initiative. We want to make a marked difference in the conservancy operations,” said Sandeep Mehta, president Credai-Chennai.
“We will engage foreign agencies for the work. Each builder will shoulder responsibility of keeping one road clean,” he added.
At least five dedicated conservancy labourers will work in two shifts to clean 820- metre-long stretch of EVK Sampath Salai.
The number of cycles of conservancy operations will increase according to the periodic assessments. A team will start work at 10 p.m. and finish by 2 a.m. The next cycle will begin at 6 a.m. and end by 10 a.m. The third cycle of conservancy will also be carried out based on the requirement.
Credai will display its name on footpaths where it carries the work. The workers will be asked to clean roads, median, signage, street furniture and remove all stains. They will also spread information on spitting on roads.
The team will report damages in civic infrastructure to the Chennai Corporation. Watering of plants on medians, aesthetics of traffic islands, removal of unauthorised banners and wall posters, pruning of trees along the roads and facilitating adequate illumination at night will also be undertaken by Credai.
