THE GOAN NETWORK
VALPOI
The condition of the Parye–Sanquelim road, particularly the stretch between Lighthouse Restaurant and GIM Gate, has deteriorated considerably, raising concerns over the safety of motorists and pedestrians. A nearly 200-metre portion of the road has sunk, leaving several sections uneven and damaged.
The road was reportedly dug up for laying a drinking-water pipeline. Although the excavated portion was subsequently restored, the surface has deteriorated again, making it difficult for motorists to negotiate the stretch, particularly two-wheeler riders.
The affected road carries considerable local and through traffic. Motorists are forced to slow down and manoeuvre around the damaged portions. The situation becomes more hazardous when vehicles approach from opposite directions, as the sunken section reduces the usable carriageway and increases the possibility of collisions.
Residents have also raised concerns about the stretch at night, when the damaged portion is difficult to see. During rain, water accumulating in the sunken section could further obscure the road condition and make it difficult for motorists to judge its depth.
According to locals, the road was filled and restored after the pipeline work, but the surface has reportedly failed to withstand traffic and weather conditions. Residents have questioned whether adequate compaction and strengthening were carried out during restoration and called for a technical inspection rather than temporary patchwork.
They said permanent repairs should include proper filling and compaction, strengthening of the affected section and quality resurfacing. They have also urged authorities to inspect the drainage system to prevent rainwater from entering the road foundation and causing further damage.
Until permanent repairs are completed, residents have urged the authorities to install warning signs, reflectors and barricades around the dangerous section, particularly for night-time visibility.
Locals have appealed to the concerned road authorities to inspect the nearly 200-metre stretch and undertake permanent repairs. They have also called for better coordination between departments when roads are excavated for utility works to ensure proper restoration.
