Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Criticizes State Minister Over Civic Governance and Infrastructure Issues
In a strongly worded press conference held on Monday, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V V Rajesh launched a sharp critique against General Education Minister V Sivankutty, accusing him of failing to acknowledge the recent change in administration within the city corporation. Rajesh asserted that the minister continues to comment on civic matters without recognizing the current governance structure, suggesting a lack of adaptation to the new leadership.
Water Supply Concerns and Demands for Accountability
Addressing critical infrastructure problems, Mayor Rajesh raised alarming concerns regarding water supply inefficiencies in the capital city. He highlighted that for every 1,000 litres of drinking water transported via pipelines from Aruvikkara to Thiruvananthapuram, nearly 400 litres are lost, indicating significant wastage and potential system failures. Rajesh demanded that Minister Sivankutty, who previously served as mayor and now holds a state portfolio, clarify what specific steps were taken during his tenure to address this pressing issue.
While the Kerala Water Authority is officially responsible for water supply, Rajesh noted that the corporation often intervenes with tanker services during shortages to mitigate public inconvenience. This underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining reliable water resources for residents.
Street Light Maintenance Disputes and Public Confusion
The mayor's most pointed remarks centered on the persistent street light issues plaguing Thiruvananthapuram, which have led to widespread public confusion over maintenance responsibilities. Contrary to common belief, not all street lights fall under the direct control of the city corporation. Rajesh detailed a complex distribution of oversight:
- Approximately 2,000 street lights are maintained by the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB), covering key stretches such as Vazhuthacaud-Vellayambalam Road, LMS Junction, Attakulangara, Thampanoor, and the Palayam-Airport corridor.
- Lighting systems along the Vellayambalam-Thycaud smart road are managed by the Smart City project.
- Areas around Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Shanghumukham fall under the jurisdiction of the tourism department.
The corporation directly oversees about 97,000 streetlights, including those on Public Works Department (PWD) roads and Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) posts. Contracts stipulate penalties if lights remain nonfunctional for more than 48 hours, aiming to ensure timely repairs.
Allegations of Flawed Contracts and Legal Risks
Mayor Rajesh alleged that agreements signed by the previous council with three maintenance companies contained serious flaws, notably including unusually long 10-year terms. He warned that these contractual issues could lead to legal disputes, potentially delaying repairs and leaving street lights nonfunctional for extended periods, exacerbating public safety concerns.
In response, Rajesh emphasized that the current administration is proceeding with caution to avoid prolonged outages. The focus is on ensuring accountability and efficient restoration of street lighting across the capital, balancing legal considerations with urgent public needs.
This situation highlights the intricate challenges in urban governance, where overlapping responsibilities and historical agreements can impede swift infrastructure improvements. As Thiruvananthapuram grapples with these issues, the mayor's criticisms underscore a call for greater coordination and transparency among various governmental bodies involved in civic management.
