THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
In a veiled yet pointed critique of the current state of affairs in Mapusa, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo painted a bleak picture of the town’s development, suggesting that local MLA Joshua D’Souza is struggling to address key infrastructural issues.
Lobo also extended an apparent olive branch, offering assistance if requested to put the local MLA’s house in order.
The coastal MLA, who has previously shown an inclination towards Mapusa’s political landscape, highlighted pressing civic concerns such as inadequate waste management and parking woes.
“Everywhere we can see garbage dumps. People dump waste and nobody is asking them. It is the responsibility of the Mapusa Municipal Council to clear the waste. However, I am not sure how much manpower they have, but they are certainly lacking in garbage collection,” he remarked, underscoring the inefficiency in public services.
Beyond waste management, Lobo stressed that Mapusa, being the commercial and administrative hub of Bardez with major markets, educational institutions and government offices, needs significantly improved infrastructure.
He lamented the acute parking crisis in the town, stating that visitors struggle to find parking spaces, worsening congestion.
However, in what could be perceived as a strategic political statement, Lobo stopped short of outright blaming the incumbent MLA, instead advocating a collaborative approach.
“The overall situation in Mapusa is bad, but we all need to support the MLA in overcoming this issue because we are all responsible for Mapusa. We cannot place the entire blame on the MLA,” he stated, while simultaneously indicating his willingness to step in.
“We are ready to help, and there is a solution to this problem. He should tell us what needs to be done, but to this day, he has never asked me. I am always willing to help him. We want Mapusa to be clean,” he added, portraying himself as a capable leader willing to take charge if given the opportunity.
The Calangute MLA also underscored his own developmental record, pointing out that he had successfully spent Rs 650 crore on infrastructure in his constituency.
“If I can do it, then anyone can, but it has to be planned,” he asserted, further driving home the point that Mapusa needs a more structured development approach.
Lobo’s statements come against the backdrop of his long-standing political interest in Mapusa.
He has previously supported former chairperson Sudhir Kandolkar against MLA Joshua D’Souza in two elections, signalling a sustained desire to gain political ground in the constituency.
By portraying Mapusa as neglected and offering his expertise, Lobo appears to be positioning himself as a potential alternative for voters in future elections.
Whether Lobo’s overtures will be seen as genuine concern or political maneuvering remains to be seen, but one thing is clear – Lobo has not taken his eyes off Mapusa.
