[1]The pathetic state of the Ernakulam boat jetty, frequented by thousands of commuters and tourists daily, has seen little improvement, not withstanding Transport Minister Aryadan Muhammed’s strict directions two months ago to the concerned departments to immediately carry out maintenance works.
“One side of the jetty premises is all slush and the uncovered drainage canal poses a threat to commuters.
The problem is compounded at night since there is no lighting on the premises or even inside the jetty, except for two bulbs at the ticket counters,” Paschimakochi Passengers’ Association secretary S Padmanabha Mallya said.
The minister had visited the jetty on June 6 and directed the departments to carry out maintenance work immediately, regardless of the ownership dispute.
While the State Water Transport and the Tourism departments are waiting for an official order on the ownership issue to take up maintenance works, the GCDA and the Kochi corporation too are washing off their hands from providing basic infrastructure in the areas leading to the boat jetty.
“We have learnt that a note has been forwarded to the Revenue Minister allotting ownership to us. Currently we are only cleaning the jetty and will install lights and other basic facilities once we get the order,” said SWTD director Shaji V Nair. The tourism department too has taken a similar stand.
When the matter was taken to the notice of Aryadan Muhammed, he said, “I will ensure that my instructions are followed up so that passengers won’t suffer.
The SWTD has employed two personnel to regularly clean the jetty. I will ask the tourism department to set up basic infrastructure there.”
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[1] http://archive.asianage.com/ekm-boat-jetty-2jpgcropdisplayjpg-382