the goan I network
VASCO
An awkward choice between better a sewage network or an improved road between Ravindra Bhavan and Desterro Chapel in Baina has left motorists confronted with several potholes and regular mishaps due to work by contractors of Sewerage and Infrastructural Development Corporation of Goa Ltd (SIDCGL).
The SIDCGL was tasked to connect a sewage pipeline and improve the sewage networks in Baina. Locals have, however, complained that the SIDCGL contractor, who undertook the work for nearly two months, left behind a lot of potholes near the chambers, posing difficulties to motorists.
The road has become a deadly trap with several potholes and chamber lids rising above the road level. In a bid to avoid potholes and chamber lids above the road, motorists now move along the wrong side of the road, posing a danger to oncoming traffic.
Locals have complained that minor mishaps are a common occurrence almost everyday and add that several complaints to the PWD have fallen on deaf ears.
“Minor accidents are a regular affair along this road. Two-way traffic now moves along one half of the road due to large number of potholes on one side of the road,” said a local Sameer Khan.
“There are frequent traffic jam and several minor accident along this stretch of the road. Authorities have not acted on the many requests made to them. They promise to tar the road but nothing has been done as yet,” Khan added.
Another resident, Deepak Mhalsekar, said he missed a major accident along the road a few days ago.
“I was going to drop my child to the school on a bike. As I was moving towards the school, one car almost dashed on me in a bid to save himself from a pothole along the road.”
“I went to the sides of the road and almost skidded along with my small daughter. I missed an accident but sometimes people ate not so lucky. My friend had a bad accident and was bruised all over. He had a torn ligament and was confined at home for two weeks. Authorities must act before it is too late,” said Mhalsekar.
Yet another local, Anant Prabhu, said several two-wheeler riders have been moving on the wrong side of the road in a bid to avoid potholes on one side of the road and obstruct the movement of oncoming vehicles.
“Due to poor visibility at night, these potholes and chambers are not easily visible and pose a danger to two-wheeler riders. The contractor should be responsible to fill potholes and patch roads after the work is done,” said Prabhu.
