VMC Chairman Sehzain Sheikh inaugurating the hotmixing work in Valpoi town in the presence of VMC Vice Chairperson Anil Katkar and other councillors. Captured by : Uday Sawant
VALPOI
Hotmixing of internal roads in Valpoi began on Wednesday but with heavy rains lashing Starri taluka last week, there are growing concerns over the quality of hotmixing work and whether it would last the monsoon season.
PWD officials have, however, assured that there will be no compromise on quality of work, adding that damage, if any, will be repaired by the contractor concerned.
The Rs 3 crore hotmixing work was inaugurated by Valpoi Municipal Council (VMC) Chairperson Sehzain Sheikh and other councillors in front of the Shri Hanuman Mandir at Valpoi.
The hotmixing of roads was announced about two months ago after roads had developed potholes at many places in Valpoi town.
The PWD approved the proposal which included construction of gutters, road widening and hotmixing of roads.
Speaking at the inaugural function, VMC Chairperson Sehzain Sheikh said hotmixing will be done in the areas where the roads are bad.
However, locals have raised concerns over the quality of hotmixing work, especially since Valpoi had received heavy rains last week.
Speaking to reporters, many locals have wondered if the hotmix, which has been laid barely days after heavy rains, would be good enough to survive the monsoons. Some even sought to know the purpose of hotmixing the roads just after the Cyclone Tauktae and so close to the monsoons.
When these concerns were put before Valpoi PWD Assistant Engineer Devendra Velingkar, he said the hotmixing work was to have started on May 15.
“However, Sattari taluka was hit by Cyclone Tauktae and the work got delayed. However, people need not worry as road asphalting work is still going on in different parts of the State.”
“The contractor involved in the project is known for quality work and if the hotmixing deteriorates, the contractor will have to repair the damaged portions,” said Velingkar.
