CHENNAI: Residents of Kumaran Colony in Saidapet have urged the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to repair and lay a new surface on 1st Street, which was damaged due to sewage pipeline installation and stormwater drain (SWD) construction.

According to residents, the GCC and the Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) have been carrying out these infrastructure projects for over a year.

Regular motorists allege they have endured prolonged hardships due to the state of the thoroughfare.

While ‘wet mix’ (gravel and stone dust) was poured as a temporary fix, it has since dried out, creating thick clouds of dust that force pedestrians and residents to cover their faces while passing through.

Lamenting the worn-out condition of the road, D Saravanan, a local business owner, stated, “The Corporation completed the SWD work a month ago. However, the street has been dug up for months for various projects. While they temporarily repaired the road by filling it with gravel, it is no longer sufficient.”

B Raja, a Saidapet resident who frequently uses the stretch to reach the Aranganathan Subway via Old Mambalam Road, noted that the dust is becoming a health hazard.

“The dried wet mix spreads into the air, creating significant hardships for motorists and nearby residents alike,” said the resident.

A zonal-level official clarified that the delay is due to final touches on the infrastructure. “Silt catchpit works are currently under way. Once these are completed, road-laying works are expected to begin next week. Within three days of starting, the entire stretch will have a new road, easing the difficulties faced by motorists.”

Silt catchpit works are currently under way. Once these are completed, road-laying works are expected to begin next week, said a zonal-level official in response