MAPUSA
Mounting frustration over poor road conditions has prompted residents along the coastal belt to threaten protests outside the homes of their elected representatives if long-pending repair works are not taken up immediately.
Yogesh Govekar, who recently contested the Zilla Panchayat elections as a Congress candidate from Anjuna and lost, along with others, has warned of an agitation outside the residence of Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo if she fails to honour her assurance of commencing road repair works in the area.
Govekar alleged that the roadworks carried out just ahead of the Zilla Panchayat polls were nothing more than an “election gimmick”, as the work has since come to a complete halt. “Just before the ZP elections, some patchwork was hurriedly done to create the impression that development was underway. After the polls, everything has come to a standstill despite repeated assurances that the work would resume,” Govekar alleged.
He further claimed that Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo had promised locals that the roadworks would be completed once the ZP elections were over, but no progress has been made so far.
Pointing to a stretch of road in Anjuna, Govekar highlighted what he described as shoddy and incomplete work. “On one side of the road, tar has been laid, while the other side has been left untouched. This clearly shows the lack of seriousness in executing the work,” he said.
Another local resident, Gajanan Tilve, said the uneven and damaged road surface poses a serious risk to both residents and tourists.
“Just a few days ago, tourists tripped and fell because of the uneven surface of the road. This is not only embarrassing for a tourist destination like Anjuna, but it is also dangerous,” Tilve said.
Warning of escalation, Tilve said that if work does not begin at the earliest, locals would intensify their agitation. “If there is no response, we, along with other residents, will stage a protest right at the entrance of the MLA’s house,” he said.
Residents said the deteriorating road conditions have also affected daily commuters, two-wheeler riders and pedestrians, especially during the night, and demanded immediate intervention to prevent accidents.
