the goan I network
QUEPEM
A partially constructed road at Borigotov-Morpilla in Quepem constituency over three years has become a major issue for residents in the area.
Speaking to The Goan, residents of Morpilla said the road, which would have connected the NH17 proceeding to Canacona, is presently incomplete and sharp stones and loose mud have made it difficult to travel along the road.
“Residents are suffering as it is difficult not just to walk but even to ride on two-wheelers. There have been several instances of villagers getting injured after falling from their motorcycles,” said Rohidas Gaonkar, a resident who has been following up on the issue. “I had written a letter to the panchayat, but no action was taken and instead they are giving assurance that the local MLA will do the road,” said Gaonkar.
“When some village youth and I met Quepem MLA Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar, he assured that the work would begin as soon as the work order is issued to the contractor and it could take a few days.”
“When villagers visited the PWD office at Panaji and Margao to ascertain the progress of the file, they said a lot of paperwork is pending and it would take time, as the file has to be sent to various departments before the tender for the job can be issued,” added Rohidas Gaonkar.
Tulshi Gaonkar added that school children have to walk over 1 km to board a school bus on the main road as the school bus cannot reach the village because of the bad road. “The children suffer the most during monsoon as they get drenched in mud water,” he said.
According to Kunda Gaonkar, the sick, old people and pregnant women are among the worst sufferers as they have to be carried to the main road. “Ambulances refuse to come to the village due to bad condition of the roads,” said Kunda Gaonkar.
On hearing the news, Quepem AAP coordinator Patricia Fernandes and Rupesh Velip, interacted with the villagers and decided to take up the issue on priority basis.
“The AAP is taking up the road issue as it is affecting about 3,000 villagers and once completed, it will help villagers of Dabem, Kazuwadda, Galli, Morpilla and Kanibag as it connects to NH17 and it can also become bypass to reach Canacona or Balli in case of an emergency,” said Fernandes.
AAP activist, Rupesh Velip, added: “About 10 years ago, it was claimed that road work was held up due to NoC from people. It has been over three years since the NOC was issued. So what is holding the MLA from taking up this project? Can’t he just keep the promise he made to the villagers for the last 10 years?”
