MAPUSA
With the Assembly elections approaching, the Mapusa Merchants Association (MMA) has demanded urgent repairs and redesign of a key entrance to the municipal market.
In a representation dated October 6, the association urged the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) to address the poor condition of the entrance near the Sub-Yard Gate, connecting the fish market to the Kadamba bus stand.
Unsafe passage
The MMA said uneven and misaligned gutter slabs make the entrance difficult and potentially unsafe to navigate. Heavy pedestrian movement, particularly during peak hours, adds to the problem, inconveniencing senior citizens, persons with mobility difficulties and other pedestrians. Unauthorised vendors allegedly occupying the entrance further obstruct movement.
Repairs sought
In its letter to the MMC chief officer, MMA president Shripad Sawant and secretary Siddesh Raut sought an urgent inspection, realignment of the gutter slabs and a proper redesign to ensure safe, level and unobstructed access to the market.
Civic accountability
The association said the entrance’s importance and heavy footfall warranted priority attention. The demand highlights the council’s responsibility to maintain market infrastructure and regulate encroachments, adding to pressure on civic authorities and local political leaders to address public grievances ahead of the elections. Whether repairs will follow remains to be seen.
