Residents express deep concern over situation
The deteriorated roads in Angod, Mapusa.
MAPUSA
Mapusa town’s roads have become a source of daily frustration and danger for residents and motorists alike. The deteriorating condition of various streets has made commuting an arduous task, with locals expressing deep concern over the situation.
However, a recent promise from authorities to repair the pothole-ridden roads before the upcoming Chaturthi festival has offered a glimmer of hope.
The problem is particularly severe on roads that were dug up for utility work. Despite efforts to restore these sections, many remain riddled with potholes, posing serious hazards, especially for two-wheeler riders.
The underlying issue traces back to the electricity department’s project, which involved laying underground electricity cables throughout the city.
This ambitious initiative, intended to enhance Mapusa’s power infrastructure, required the excavation of approximately 40 to 50 kilometers of roads.
While some stretches were restored before the onset of the monsoon season, many others were left incomplete, exacerbating the already poor road conditions.
One such area suffering from the aftermath of this work is Angod, Mapusa, where streets have been torn apart by the project.
Large potholes now dominate these roads, turning what was meant to be a beneficial upgrade into a nightmarish experience for motorists and pedestrians. The danger is particularly acute for two-wheeler riders, who must navigate these treacherous stretches daily, often risking their lives.
The situation has not gone unnoticed by the traffic police, who have raised alarms over the chaos caused by these poorly restored roads.
The problem has been further compounded by the heavy monsoon rains that lashed the State last month, leaving several crucial roads in an even worse state and putting motorists through severe inconvenience.
Notable stretches affected include the 2-kmroad from the Tourist Hotel to Bodgeshwar Temple, a 500-metre stretch in Cunchelim, and the area near the underpass at Karrasvaddo.
These roads have become virtually impassable in places, making them some of the worst-hit areas in Mapusa.
John D’Souza, a local resident, highlighted how motorists, in an attempt to avoid the damaged sections, crowd onto the remaining drivable parts of the road.
This behaviour, particularly during peak hours, leads to traffic bottlenecks, exacerbating the already strained situation. Another resident pointed out that the loose gravel on these roads is causing two-wheelers to skid, increasing the risk of accidents.
“Poor road conditions are a significant inconvenience for motorists. Two-wheeler riders are at particularly high risk of accidents due to the uneven surfaces and deep potholes,” acknowledged a traffic police official.
As the Chaturthi festival approaches, the local community remains hopeful that the authorities will fulfill their promise of repairing the roads.
However, with the ongoing challenges and the monsoon season still active, the situation remains precarious.
