PORVORIM
Hot-mixing of the entire Chogm road in Porvorim will be complete in November, even as the PWD has assured that it will be of the best quality and nothing will happen to it for the next 15 years.
Even as the potholed roads are breaking people's back and bones, this statement from Saligao MLA Jayesh Salgaonkar comes as a surprise given the pathetic condition of roads across the State.
The PWD recently began repairs of the Chogm road, which has regularly developed potholes and has even been identified as one of the black spots in the State.
The Chogm road between O’Coqueiro Junction and the Calangute church was tendered initially in 2019 and the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation was expected to hot-mix it.
However, this tender was cancelled after Pramod Sawant became chief minister but Saligao MLA Jayesh Salgaonkar pursued the matter and eventually got this road work tendered again.
Speaking to reporters, Salgaonkar said the stretch of road between O’Coqueiro Junction and the Calangute church was damaged badly and there were constant demands from motorists and locals to repair and hot-mix the road.
“A lot of potholes have developed on the road due to waterlogging and the road was not designed properly. The traffic department has even named this portion of the road near Navtara Restaurant as a ‘Black Spot’ as due to several potholes and accidents at the site,” said Salgaonkar.
“The PWD decided to repair this portion of the road. The drain was in the middle of this portion of the road and maintenance became an issue. Hence, this drain is now being shifted close to the footpath.”
“Besides, there was a depression on the middle of the road, due to which water would accumulate. The road height will be raised suitably so that waterlogging does not take place.”
The Saligao MLA also informed that two cross drains are being constructed for the smooth flow of water.
“The level corrections will be made at every 10 meters and retaining walls will be constructed by the roadsides, wherever required.”
He also mentioned that roads in Saligao had been damaged due to the laying of underground cables and said all internal roads would be repaired and hot-mixed once the rains subside.
