KOCHI: To give an uplift to the existing road network and to make roads more durable, the Kochi Corporation is planning to introduce annuity scheme for the maintenance of roads in the city. Under the annuity scheme, the construction and maintenance of the road will be allotted to an agency and the corporation will have to pay a fixed amount annually to them for the work. The success of the road work that has already been done under the scheme in the capital city by the Kerala Road Fund Board is another reason that has prompted the Kochi Corporation to opt for the annuity scheme.Under the annuity scheme, the contracts will be more composite in nature and the responsibility of maintenance will be fully with the contractor or the agency that undertakes the work.“If the quality of construction is not up to the mark, the developer will have to shell out more money later by way of maintenance. The government’s commitment to pay annuity could enhance the chances of developers getting loans on better terms,” say experts. The town planners also said that the benefits under the annuity scheme are, however, not without obligations. “The annuity scheme ensures that the project is completed within the stipulated period and that the roads are operated and maintained according to specific standards. The annuity payout is linked to strict and standard specifications laid down by the government and the agency will have to obtain a certificate from an empanelled engineer before receiving the annuity payment,” they added. However, to do work under the annuity scheme, the permission of the state government is needed.Apart from the annuity scheme, some other proposals were also put forward by the experts during the Cochin Road Conclave held here last week. These include developing concrete roads and designer roads according the geographical specialties of the areas. According to the experts, concrete roads will be a feasible idea in places with high density traffic and on roads which are vulnerable to waterlogging. According to the experts, if an ultra-thin white topping with concrete is laid over the bitumen roads, it will give more durability to these roads.The civic body will compile these recommendations and they will be presented at the corporation council meet. Once the council gives its nod, the report will be submitted to the Chief Minister.
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