Thiruvananthapuram: The Public Works Department (PWD) has stated in a new order that permission will be granted for road maintenance works, including laying of water pipelines, from September to December only. 

However, exemptions will be granted for emergency works like pipe leakage. An order in this regard was issued by the PWD secretary. 

The water authority has been granted only four months (Sept-Dec) for the maintenance works on account of the PWD works scheduled from January to May and the rainy season from June to August. 

Meanwhile, there is an existing order barring the demolition of one-year-old roads in the state. 

In addition, if roads under construction are demolished for the needs of the water authority, then PWD will reconstruct them. However, the water authority will have to provide the funds for the same. 

Whereas, if roads that are not undergoing construction are demolished, then the water authority will be responsible for the repair and maintenance works. 

Whatever be the previous quality of the road, the maintenance should adhere to the same quality. The repair activities should be monitored by PWD officials and certificates should be issued after inspection. 

A quality assessment is also mandatory when the roads or pipes are repaired and converted back to the original state. The works should be carried out as per the directions of the respective departments.