the goan I network
VASCO
Accidents and anger have been mounting ever since a four-decade-old culvert developed a large hole in the middle of a busy road at Mangor-Vasco. According to locals, the culvert which is around 40 years old had grown weak and the hole developed on Monday after a truck tried to move along the narrow road on the culvert.
Residents have now expressed serious concern as the hole is posing a danger to life of several residents, who use this only access road to go to their houses. The hole has also exposed the gutter and drain below thus causing a stink besides exposing the area to a lot of mosquitoes.
Residents complained that many people from the area, especially kids had fallen in the hole unaware and had injured themselves over the past few days. Residents further claimed that despite several complains, authorities had not taken action and this has forced people to place a table near the hole to prevent others falling into the hole.
A shopkeeper, Sita Salgaonkar, finally placed a table from her shop to barricade the area and alert people from falling in the trap. “We have been complaining since Monday. However, no authorities have taken note of the situation or have acted in the matter. Since many people were falling into the hole, I have placed the table from my shop near the hole so that people are safe,” said Salgaonkar
Ward Councillor Saifullah Khan said he had immediately approached the PWD road department and had met the engineers and updated them of the situation. Khan also said that he was informed by PWD that works would not be undertaken immediately as the department was short of funds . “I met a PWD engineer and also told him of the situation. He also sent his team for inspection. But he has informed me that there are no funds available for immediate repairs and it could take some time. I appeal to the authorities to act on this immediately especially as this area has a Maruti temple where hundreds of people arrive on Saturday. People living further in the area cannot use four wheelers on the road,” said Khan.
