Kochi: In an inexplicable move, almost all the vehicles owned by the city corporation that were used to transport garbage to Brahmapuram waste treatment plant were taken off the road for fitness test at one go. The result is that since Monday, the civic body is hiring up to 57 trucks/day, spending lakhs of rupees. Authorities said that it would require at least a month's time for the vehicles to undergo repair works and then clear a fitness test. Till then, they would continue hiring trucks.
"All vehicles were purchased at the same time (ie July) over the past few years. As a result, all vehicles - 10 compactors, 44 mini trucks and 17 of the 23 trucks - will not be in service from July to August. This happened either due to lack of planning or a deliberate move by somebody," said a senior officer at the corporation.
The corporation is now hiring trucks at Rs 2,654/day. "At least Rs 45 lakh will be spent each month. If the vehicles were registered in batches, this situation could have been avoided," said V K Minimol, chairperson, health standing committee. At the same time, RTO officials said that the situation could have been avoided had the corporation approached the MVD in advance.
"Normally, fitness test is scheduled for a vehicle once in 12 months. But, vehicle owners can bring their vehicle for the certificate 30 days in advance. Suppose the test is on July 30, the vehicle could be brought on July 1 itself," said an official, adding that the issue would continue every year if the civic body did not take a long-term decision in this matter.
Minimol added that the corporation had been using only 10 trucks. "The remaining trucks were not used for months due to small repair works. However, from August we will use all our vehicles for waste movement," she said.
"It seems the corporation is finding innovative ways to waste public money, which could have been used for other project," said V P Chandran, LDF councillor from Chambakkara.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.Shyam P V is a senior correspondent with The Times of India, Thir...
Read MoreShyam P V is a senior correspondent with The Times of India, Thiruvananthapuram bureau. He started his career with DNA in Mumbai in 2006 and moved on to MIT Technology Review in Mumbai. He has also worked with The New Indian Express and Deccan Chronicle. Shyam covers the beats of Tranport, Railways and Real Estate.
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