There is hardly any place left for parking and only the persistent traveler would want to venture into this hub of activity for shopping. Footpaths exist but portions have been usurped by traders. A new definition of what is a footpath has taken birth here with traders claiming that the gallery in front of their shops belongs to them and does not constitute part of the footpath. The Mapusa Merchants Association has petitioned the municipal council to implement its resolution to demarcate pay parking slots around the city. While pay parking is gradually becoming the norm, the system does not run very smoothly. First, pay parking has not freed parking slots as originally assumed. Second, the Corporation of the City of Panaji experience has shown that contractors are not prompt in paying up their dues. This means pay parking is neither a revenue earning proposition not a space creating scheme. Mapusa is a business hub hence it needs a solution that takes care of traffic congestion, enhances business and gives the regular shopper a worthwhile experience. All three aspects have to be tackled simultaneously and with a firm hand or the city will sink into chaos.
Mapusa sinking
Mapusa has always been a busy city, but of late it has started bursting at the seams. Poor traffic planning, lack of ideas and the will to implement the law have taken their toll on the city.
