Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira inaugurates hotmixing of road at Xell, Bastora on Monday.
MAPUSA
After months of disruptions caused by underground power cabling works, resurfacing and hot-mixing of damaged roads in the Aldona constituency officially commenced on Monday, bringing long-awaited relief to residents.
The restoration work, which also covers parts of Saligao and Calangute, has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 13 crore.
The restoration project was inaugurated at Xell, Bastora, by Aldona MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira, who acknowledged the prolonged inconvenience caused by road excavation for the undergrounding of 11kV power lines.
“There were legitimate complaints from residents regarding dust pollution and road subsidence. But now that the underground cabling is complete, the benefits will be long-term “ especially in ensuring an uninterrupted power supply during storms or incidents involving tree falls,” Ferreira said
Ferreira attributed the delay in beginning road restoration to procedural delays in the issuance of the work order.
He revealed that the project remained stalled at the Chief Minister’s level and it was only after sustained pressure from local citizens that the file was cleared.
“A group of ten concerned citizens served a legal notice to the government, threatening to approach the High Court if work did not begin. Only then did the cabinet finally approve the Rs 13 crore roadwork package covering Aldona, Saligao and parts of Calangute,” Ferreira explained.
The MLA assured residents that restoration work in other villages of the constituency would begin shortly.
“I appeal to people to remain patient. I am open to suggestions and even criticism. My priority is to serve and learn from all of you,” he said.
Ferreira also extended his appreciation to local panchayat members, residents and PWD engineers for their cooperation and support in facilitating the start of the project.
The ongoing works mark a significant step in restoring public infrastructure following the execution of underground cabling projects, which aim to modernise the power supply system and reduce vulnerability to weather-related disruptions.
