The Kochi Corporation council has decided to seek an explanation from the contractor responsible for installing LED streetlights across 76 divisions, citing a breach of contract terms and the provision of misleading information to councillors. The decision was made during the council meeting held on Saturday, where the contractor faced severe criticism, with several councillors demanding removal.
Mayor's Statement on Strict Action
Mayor V K Minimol informed the council that the corporation will issue a notice seeking an explanation from the contractor. If the response is unsatisfactory, strict action will be taken against the contractor.
Discrepancies in Installation Claims
The contractor claimed that the installation of LED lights in divisions one to nine was complete. However, councillors representing those divisions contradicted this, stating that the lights had not been installed. For instance, while the contractor claimed to have installed 200 lights in the Chullikkal division, councillor Bastin Babu reported that not even 10 lights were set up.
Opposition and BJP Councillors' Allegations
Opposition leader V A Sreejith alleged that the same situation prevailed in all nine divisions. He also accused the contractor of charging money from councillors for cables, which were already part of the contract. BJP councillor Priya Prashanth from Amaravathy pointed out that high-mast lights removed for maintenance had not been reinstalled for over six months. V P Chandran, councillor from Vyttila, criticized the contractors for failing to complete the work on time.
Council Demands Accountability
The council's decision underscores the growing frustration among councillors over the contractor's performance. The corporation's move to seek an explanation and potentially take strict action reflects its commitment to ensuring accountability in public projects.
