the goan I network
VASCO
An awkward choice between better sewage network or improved roads on the road between Ravindra Bhavan and Desterro Chapel in Baina has ended up in motorists bumping into several potholes and three mishaps due to work by contractors of Sewerage & Infrastructural Development Corporation Of Goa Ltd (SIDCGL).
The SIDCGL was awarded the contract to connect a sewage pipeline and improve the sewage networks in Baina.
Locals have complained that the SIDCGL contractor who had taken up the work for nearly two months has left behind a lot of potholes near the chambers, posing difficulties to motorists. “Three minor accidents have taken places during two days of heavy rains,” informed a local.
In a bid to avoid potholes on one side of the road, several two-wheeler riders have been moving on the wrong side of the road and obstructing the movement of oncoming vehicles. “Due to bad visibility and waterlogged roads, these potholes and chambers are not visible and pose danger to two-wheeler riders, especially parents dropping small children to school,” remarked the local.
Another resident, on condition of anonymity, said he had seen a woman falling off her bike and bleeding a few days ago. “I saw a female two-wheeler rider who was struck by another motorist who was trying to avoid a pothole. She was bleeding and we rushed to her aid.”
“Everyone here maintains a single lane on this road as the other side is full of potholes due to the sewage work and this is causing traffic jams,” the resident said.
Another resident, Anant Prabhu, said his friend nearly missed an accident on Wednesday as the road was waterlogged and potholes were not visible.
“My friend missed an accident after his bike suddenly got into a pothole and he lost balance. Thankfully, he was able to control the bike. The contractor should be responsible for filling potholes and patching the roads after the work is done and should do it immediately before we witness a tragedy here,” said Prabhu.
