Corporation to ask CSML to address issues with LED lights

CSML had given a contract to a company for ₹40 crore to relocate LED lights.
| Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO

Mayor M. Anilkumar has promised to address issues with LED lights by bringing complaints raised by the councillors to the notice of Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML).

He was responding to complaints at the Kochi Corporation Council meeting on Tuesday. Admitting to problems with LED lights, Mr. Anilkumar said lights developing snags during the monsoon was common. The councillors complained that CSML had not taken any steps for maintenance, though the relocated LED lights had been facing problems from day one. LED lights have been installed along the national highway and the North overbridge.

The Mayor said a meeting was once convened with CSML chief executive officer and the deputy chief engineer to discuss the issue. He said he would write to CSML asking to address the problem.

CSML had given a contract to a company for ₹40 crore to relocate the lights. The councillors accused CSML of not completing the relocation of the lights yet. When the lights turn dysfunctional, the KSEB blames it on CSML, which in turn puts the onus on the KSEB. Besides, the Corporation has given separate contract for the maintenance of the lights. However, the contractor claims that the maintenance of the lights within the guarantee period is not his responsibility, they said.

The councillors rued how they were being forced to approach various agencies to get lights in their wards repaired. Street lights remain the responsibility of the Corporation though they are now forced to run from pillar to post to offer that service, the councillors said.

Property tax

Mr. Anilkumar said that, except for a few, almost all had paid property tax, thanks to K-Smart. Those receiving notice for the first time need to pay the dues for three years alone. However, those who have failed to pay tax despite being repeatedly served notices should clear the full dues with penal interest, he added.

The Mayor was responding to allegations by the Opposition councillors of discrimination in property tax collection. The opposition councillors cited how 146 persons had secured a verdict limiting the collection of tax dues to three years since the increase in tax in 2016, while that benefit was being denied to those who could not afford to approach the court.