With the monsoon fast approaching, pre-monsoon desilting works in parts of Mapusa appear to have taken an unusual turn, as contract labourers were spotted cleaning drains close to midnight using nothing more than the flashlights from their mobile phones.
At least five to six workers were seen carrying out drain-cleaning operations in wards 11 and 7 late at night earlier this week, sparking concern among local residents over the quality of work being executed under such poor visibility conditions.
Residents who witnessed the work questioned whether proper desilting and cleaning could realistically be carried out in darkness with only mobile phone lights illuminating the drains.
“This is not just about cleaning drains for namesake. The work has to be effective before the rains begin. How can anyone inspect sludge, blockages, or damage properly under mobile torchlight?” questioned Siddesh Diukar, a resident of Ward 7, who witnessed the labourers carrying out the work late in the night.
When contacted, the contractor handling the pre-monsoon works admitted that the labourers were engaged elsewhere during the daytime.
“The workers are employed with a builder during the day. Night is the only time available for them to complete this work,” the contractor said.
However, the explanation has done little to calm concerns among residents, many of whom are now questioning both accountability and supervision of the civic works.
Locals pointed out that no municipal officials or supervisors were present while the work was being carried out.
“If there is no engineer or supervisor on site, who will certify that the drains are being cleaned properly? It raises serious concerns about accountability and misuse of public funds,” said Roland Martins, Coordinator of GOACAN.
“Drain-cleaning work does not significantly disrupt traffic movement, so there appears to be little justification for carrying it out late at night,” he added.
Apart from the quality of work, safety concerns for the labourers themselves have also come under scrutiny.
Workers cleaning clogged drains at night face several risks, including snake bites, injuries from broken glass, exposed metal objects and slippery surfaces. Residents noted that the workers appeared to have minimal safety equipment while carrying out the operation.
A retired municipal official, when informed about the situation, said pre-monsoon desilting work should ideally be conducted during daylight hours and under proper supervision.
“Drain-cleaning is not merely removing visible waste. Proper inspection is required to ensure free flow of water and identify structural damage or blockages. Carrying out such work in darkness compromises both quality and worker safety,” the official said.
