Honnavar: Underground drainage works launched two years ago in the town has continued at a snail’s pace causing inconvenience to residents. 

With the advent of summer, dust menace increased due to open trenches dug for underground drainage while road work has also contributed to the woes.

For laying underground drainage in the town Rs 28 crore was sanctioned in 2010. However, the project received technical approval only in 2014. Contract was given to Bengaluru-based Micron Constructions in 2016. As per contract, the work should be completed by May 2018. But the pace of works clearly indicates the project would not be completed as per schedule. Doubts are also being raised over the quality of work.

Residents had staged protests on several occasions against digging roads at the centre. Officials had pacified them stating that the road would be relaid soon after works. However, the condition has remained the same at several places and people could be seen struggling to pass through such stretches every day.

Rajatagiri resident Suresh said, the road in the locality is worse than mud roads in villages. Trenches were dug while the road was battered creating problems for residents.

Residents could be seen sprinkling water on road to fight dust menace. It is sheer waste of water during summer but inevitable for people have to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, he said.