Fortnight after repairs, Mohali MC forced to initiate patchwork again

Fixed just a fortnight ago, the road connecting the Spice Chowk light point with Sectors 56 and 57 was found riddled with potholes yet again

After commuters were subjected to bumpy rides just a fortnight after the road connecting Spice Chowk light point in Industrial Area with Sectors 56 and 57 in Phase 1 was repaired, the municipal corporation (MC) on Sunday initiated patch work on the stretch again.

The repairs were initiated the same day Hindustan Times reported that the road had become riddled with potholes that were jeopardising commuters’ lives, 15 days after the road repairs concluded. (Representational Image/HT File)

The repairs were initiated the same day Hindustan Times reported that the road had become riddled with potholes that were jeopardising commuters’ lives, 15 days after the road repairs concluded.

As almost half of the road was worn out, the municipal corporation contractor had carried out patchwork on the stretch two weeks ago. However, as only patches of the road were repaired, commuters complained that their vehicles were being damaged while crossing the stretch. A commuter said, “As the MC lacks funds, they carried out patchwork, leaving major chunks of the worn-down road untouched.”

MC contractor Sunny Bansal said, “We have also repaired the other half of the road and patchwork has been done where potholes had re-emerged. We will soon re-carpet the road so that it does not suffer further damage.”

Water accumulation to blame: Contractor

On why the patchwork wore down so soon, Sunny blamed the absence of a gully on the stretch as it caused water to accumulate on the road, rather than draining away.

A MC senior officer, requesting anonymity, said no probe had been marked into the quality of the repair work. “Since the work had not been completed and was still pending, there was no need to mark a probe. In case the road gets damaged after its completion, a probe will be ordered.”

Deadline missed

In October, the civic body had set a target to complete patchwork at 56 spots in the city by November-end. While senior officials say 70-80% repair work has been completed, patchwork is still pending in 20% areas.

Earlier, municipal officials had blamed cold weather for damage to the stretch so soon after repairs . Officials say the quality of patchwork is likely to suffer in December. Moreover, the bitumen plant shuts down in December due to cold weather. Meanwhile, commuters continue to bear the brunt of the dilapidated roads.