MAPUSA
With just a month left for the monsoon to arrive, residents of Mapusa are growing increasingly anxious as several stretches of roads that had caved in during last year’s rains remain unrepaired. Despite repeated assurances from the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC), the repair work is yet to begin, sparking anger and fear among locals.
The road behind the Cosme Costa residence and another stretch opposite former MLA Chandrakant Diukar’s house at Shetya-vaddo, Mapusa, have been lying in a dilapidated state since last monsoon. Although these are not major arterial roads, they are heavily used as alternate routes, especially when main roads are congested.
“The Council had promised us that the repair work would be completed before the pre-monsoon showers. But to date, nothing has been done. Every day, schoolchildren, office-goers and even ambulances use these roads “ it’s a disaster waiting to happen,” said Anita Fernandes, a resident of Shetya-vaddo.
Residents pointed out that if immediate steps are not taken, the condition of these roads could worsen dramatically once the rains begin, possibly leading to accidents, road closures, and further inconvenience.
“Last year itself, we narrowly avoided a major mishap when a two-wheeler skidded and fell into the drain where the road had caved in. If the same thing happens during heavy rain, it could be fatal,” said Satish Naik, a local resident.
When contacted, a senior official at the Mapusa Municipal Council admitted to delays, citing financial constraints as a major hurdle.
“The municipal council is currently facing a severe resource crunch. We have requested the Public Works Department (PWD) to assist by taking up the repair work, but formal approvals and funds are yet to come through,” the official said on condition of anonymity.
Despite the official explanations, residents say the situation highlights deeper issues of planning and accountability.
“This is not just about money. It’s about priorities. Civic officials should have anticipated these issues and acted in time, rather than scrambling at the last minute,” said a local, Prashanti Naik.
Meanwhile, opposition councillors have also criticised the MMC’s slow response.
“Every year the same excuse of lack of funds is given, but basic road maintenance should be a non-negotiable priority,” said a councillor of the ruling group requesting anonymity, adding that he would raise the matter urgently in the next council meeting.
With monsoon preparations already lagging across several parts, citizens fear that Mapusa’s neglected roads could turn into dangerous death traps once the rains lash the State.
