The crumbling state of roads across parts of Goa, more particularly in Mapusa and Mormugao, and the failure to cover up dug-up roads in time, starkly reflects the callousness that continues to plague the State's infrastructure maintenance. Vast stretches of roads across the State await hotmixing including those which are in poor condition. Despite explicit instructions from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to expedite repairs in the run-up to the monsoon season, the Public Works Department (PWD) has exhibited a total lack of urgency.
This inaction not only endangers commuters but also exposes the insensitivity within the system, a trait that has persisted over successive years. The question is are we really serious about road infra? For example, roads in rural areas which were dug up to lay pipelines and underground cables have not been repaired till now and have only been covered with loose soil. Large potholes, like the one opposite Phoenix Plaza, a traffic-heavy area in Mapusa remain unattended even as selective patchwork has been undertaken in the vicinity. The internal roads of Angod and other parts of Mapusa, riddled with potholes, are prime examples of how neglect transforms once-motorable roads into risk zones ahead of rains.
The problem is that it can only get worse from here since the monsoon is expected to pick up momentum later in the week. The extended dry spell in the first ten days of June could have been optimally utilized for urgent repairs. There is a fair amount of public frustration because crucial time for repairs is wasted. Perhaps, lessons have not been learnt from the road horrors of the past.
Goa reports on an average of 350 road accident deaths annually, very close to one death every day. While these fatalities are due to various factors like overspeeding, and reckless or drunken driving, there is also a "poor road condition" element that contributes to the tally. Poorly maintained roads — full of potholes, uneven patches, and waterlogging — are direct contributors to these tragic statistics. The alarming number of road accidents underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures.
For example, in the recent incident at Sancoale, the driver lost control of the vehicle at Queeny Nagar due to the uneven condition of the road leading to the bus toppling killing one passenger and injuring around 32 others. There are many such cases where motorists have fallen victim to the poor condition of roads. And there are cases where citizens and activists have resorted to planting saplings in potholes, a symbolic act calling for immediate action.
The failure to undertake timely repairs contradicts the directives from the Chief Minister, who has repeatedly emphasized the importance of pre-monsoon preparedness. The department’s inaction reflects a culture of inefficiency, where public safety is not a priority. The pattern of inaction over successive years indicates a need for systemic reform within the PWD, emphasizing accountability and timely intervention.
Given the critical role of roads in daily life and safety, the government must prioritize swift, comprehensive repairs, especially in high-traffic areas. Infrastructure development should not come at the expense of public safety; instead, it must be a proactive, well-coordinated effort that recognizes roads as vital arteries of progress.
