Kochi Corpn. to seek explanation from LED streetlight contractor
Kochi Corporation Council Seeks Explanation from Contractor Over Alleged Lapses
The Kochi Corporation Council has decided to take action against the contractor responsible for installing LED street lights across 76 divisions, citing alleged lapses in service delivery. This decision was announced by Mayor V.K. Minimol at a council meeting held on May 30, 2026.
Severe Criticism from Councillors
The issue was raised by Left Democratic Front parliamentary party leader V.A. Sreejith, who accused the Mayor of discrimination against West Kochi and failing to ensure proper oversight. Councillors from across political parties levelled severe criticism against the contractor, accusing him of indifference, which had exposed them to public ire.
Lapses in Service Delivery
According to Mr. Sreejith, the contractor claimed to have slowed down installation after realising the absence of a renewed agreement, but even councillors from completed divisions had complained of not receiving the lights. The Mayor stated that she had issued verbal directions to the contractor whenever councillors alerted her to lapses in service delivery, but this was not enough to alleviate the concerns of the councillors.
Demands for Accountability
Mr. Sreejith argued that it was the Mayor’s duty to ensure compliance with council decisions and that councillors should not have to keep her informed at every turn. The Mayor countered that she could not possibly be aware of affairs in all 76 divisions, but councillors urged her to take a more proactive approach to addressing the issues.
Allegations of Inflated Work Volumes and Unrestored Equipment
Bastin Babu, an Independent councillor, accused the contractor of inflating the volume of work compared to what was actually done. Another councillor alleged that the contractor had gone out of the council’s control, with high-mast lights taken away for maintenance yet to be restored, and some installed elsewhere.
Councillors Call for Change
Vyttila division councillor V.P. Chandran observed that councillors had been left at the mercy of contractors in general, with works not being completed in a time-bound manner, leaving councillors to face the public’s dissatisfaction. He emphasized that this situation needs to change, and the council must take a stronger stance against contractors who fail to deliver.
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