VASCO
The severed cables running across the electricity poles along the FL Gomes road and Swantantra Path road in Vasco have become a death trap to the two-wheeler riders and pedestrians.
The severed cables are lying unattended for last 15 days and neither the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC), Vasco Traffic Cell, RTO nor the electricity department failed to clear the cables from the road to avoid any untoward situation.
While some claim it to be internet cable, others said the cable is of the cable TV cable operators.
Speaking to The Goan, the fruit vendors said many people have got trapped in the cables while trying to cross the road, but luckily their lives were saved.
A fruit vendor said a year back, a pedestrian had lost his life opposite the RTO after he got strangled in a cable lying on the road.
The vendor said the pedestrian was crossing the road when his leg got strangled in the cable which was lying on the road and fell down and an oncoming vehicle dashed the pedestrian and he died on the spot.
Romeo Fernandes of Vasco said the authorities are least bothered about safety of the people. “It's not only the council which is responsible to keep a check on such things, but the RTO, Vasco Traffic Cell and even the electricity department are responsible for safety of the citizens,” said Fernandes.
Daya Gaunekar said the cut cables pose a danger to the lives of pedestrians and those who run their cables across the electricity poles should be held guilty during any mishap.
When contacted, executive engineer of electricity department Sivasankaran K said they have not cut the cables. However, Sivasankaran immediately called the junior engineer and directed him to look into the matter.
Sources at electricity department informed that except in Goa, everywhere in the country all those who want to run their cables across the electricity poles have to pay fees.
MMC Chief Officer Deepali Naik instead of directing MMC staff to clear the cables said MMC staff was not involved in cutting the cables. However, Naik called the market inspector and directed him to inform the cable operators and get it cut.
Efforts to contact RTO assistant director and the Vasco Traffic Cell PI proved futile, as they were not present in their respective offices.
