Work on FIFA-U 17 World Cup practice grounds will be completed before September 30: Minister

KOCHI: Public Works Minister G Sudhakaran on Thursday said the work entrusted with the Department as part of the FIFA-U 17 World Cup will be completed before September 30. Sudhakaran visited the three practice grounds - Maharaja's ground, Parade Ground and Veli Ground - to take stock of the preparations being made for the gala event."The PWD was entrusted with the preparatory work and maintenance of the three practice grounds. The preparations are satisfactory. We expect to complete the remaining work by September 30," he said.

The minister was accompanied by the local MLAs and PWD engineers.  The inspection of the ground which started around 10. 30 am ended before evening. Sudhakaran told reporters it was after a meeting convened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan last year the preparatory work for the U-17 World CUP had picked up steam.He said the gallery and pitches were in ruins before the PWD took over the work at the Maharaja's ground. "Now, only the landscape work has to be completed. The gallery has been repaired and painting work will also be over soon. Engineers have assured the work will be completed in a couple of days," he said.

When asked why the roads are still in bad shape though the World Cup is just days away, the minister said rain has been deterring the road work. "Once the rain ceases, the work will be completed within a couple of days time. It's been raining for past five months. We don't have any technology by which construction can be carried out even during rain," he said. He said the funds for the repair work has already been released. On confusion between the PWD and local self-governing bodies over the ownership of roads, he said, "The Mayor might be having confusion regarding the same, but we don't have any such doubts. We have a detailed list of roads we own."