Old Washermanpet cries out for total makeover

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The historic Old Washermanpet, which was part of the erstwhile Madrasapattinam is suffering from narrow roads, cramped footpaths and clogged drains. While parts of south Chennai have become posh, this old ward of north Chennai is now a breeding ground for mosquitoes with high incidence of water borne diseases, say local residents.

Residents are agitated over the delay in the completion of much anticipated Stanley underground bridge work, which is progressing at a snail’s pace. Moreover, the entire area is devoid of bus connectivity.

“The construction of bridge that was started four years ago is still dragging on. Coupled with inadequate bus services, motorists are forced to use battered roads. Civic authorities are so careless when it comes to north Chennai. Potholes are visible across all the arterial roads,” laments trader A.V.S. Marimuthu.

While poor roads and lack of bus services haunt locals, sanitation and public hygiene is even worse.

“The entire Old Washermenpet needs a fresh thinking. More public toilets are the need of hour. Women have great inconvenience as even the existing toilets are poorly maintained. It’s high time the corporation builds more toilets and maintains them properly,” said A. Mala.

The public also complained of acute shortage of space for pedestrians. Unchecked encroachments make matters worse. Even the state run electricity board encroaches on a number of roads with its transformers while electrical cables also eat up footpath space.

“Pavements exist only in name. Civic authorities should at least remove the commercial encroachments to benefit pedestrians,” said Mr S. Sugan Raj.

When contacted, ward councilor Era Palani said, “Public toilets are being cleaned daily, Stanley under bridge will be ready by the end of September.”

Replying to a question on inadequate bus services to the area, the councillor said. “The bus service in G.A. Road is temporarily cut due to ongoing construction works at Mint junction, the service will resume once the constructions works get over.” He added that encroachments were periodically being removed.