Three Public Works Department (PWD) officials, including an executive engineer, were suspended on Wednesday for gross negligence in road maintenance in Malappuram, announced PWD Minister P A Muhammad Riyas. The suspensions, targeting the Executive Engineer of the Manjeri division, the Assistant Executive Engineer of the Perinthalmanna subdivision, and the Assistant Engineer of the Perinthalmanna section, follow a scathing report by the Chief Engineer of the PWD Roads Wing, prompted by persistent public complaints.

Riyas, in a Facebook post, revealed that despite repeated grievances from residents, the officials failed to act, neglecting essential maintenance work. “Even after funds were allocated, the technical sanction and tendering processes were not initiated on time,” he stated, highlighting lapses in the Perinthalmanna subdivision under the Manjeri division. The minister has ordered a further investigation by the PWD Vigilance Wing to probe the officials’ conduct.

The suspensions come under the state’s Running Contract Scheme, designed to ensure timely road repairs by assigning contractors for fixed periods. While the scheme has improved most of Kerala’s roads, inspections this year exposed significant lapses in Malappuram. To enhance accountability, blue boards displaying officials’ contact numbers have been installed on roads, allowing the public to report issues directly. Riyas emphasized that complaints ignored by officials can be escalated, ensuring swift action.

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The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to uncompromising road maintenance, with public participation as a cornerstone. The suspensions signal a crackdown on negligence, as Kerala aims to uphold infrastructure standards. As the Vigilance Wing’s probe unfolds, residents hope for improved accountability and better roads in Malappuram, where potholes and delays have long frustrated commuters.

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