Kochi Corpn. to seek explanation from LED streetlight contractor

The Kochi Corporation Council has decided to seek an explanation from the contractor appointed to install LED street lights in 76 sections over alleged lapses in service delivery.

Mayor VK Minimol announced the decision at the council meeting held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, after council members cut political parties and made harsh criticism against the contractor and accused him of indifference, which exposed him to public anger.

The issue was raised by Left Democratic Front parliamentary party leader VA Sreejith, who accused the Mayor of discriminating against West Kochi and failing to provide proper oversight as decided at an all-party meeting held earlier this month.

While the contractor claimed that he slowed down the installation after realizing there was no renewed agreement, he said that only after completing work in sections one to nine, even councilors from these sections complained about not getting the lights. While trying to corner the Mayor, Ms Minimol said she gave verbal instructions to the contractor when councilors warned her about lapses in service delivery.

He urged councilors to directly inform the relevant standing committee chairmen or the Mayor so that corrective measures can be taken. But this did not sit well with Mr Sreejith, who said the mayor’s job was to ensure compliance with council decisions and councilors did not need to inform him at every opportunity. In response, the Mayor said that it would not be possible for him to be aware of the events in all 76 departments.

Bastin Babu, an independent councilor from Chullickal division, accused the contractor of inflating the volume of work compared to what was actually done. “Although he claimed to have installed 200 lamps, in reality, no more than 10 lamps were installed. Although the cable required for installation is part of the package, he receives money from the relevant councilors for this,” he alleged.

The Bharatiya Janata Party councilor representing Amaravathi division alleged that the contractor was out of control of the council. He said that a few high mast lights that were removed under the pretext of maintenance have not yet been repaired, while some have been placed elsewhere.

Deputy Speaker Chandran, councilor of Vyttila division, observed that councilors are generally left at the mercy of contractors. “They cannot complete the work on time and councilors have publicly revealed a sad figure. This must change,” he said.