Says several pre-monsoon works remain incomplete
Pernem
Civil society organisation Together For Mapusa (TFM) on Monday alleged that road hotmixing works carried out across Mapusa were of poor quality and undertaken in haste ahead of the monsoon season.
Addressing a press conference, TFM President Mahesh Rane claimed that road works in the town had been carried out during heavy rain over the past week, raising concerns over the quality and durability of the work.
“Hotmixing works have been taking place across the State, but in Mapusa, road works have continued over the last eight days despite the rain. Carrying out hotmixing in such weather conditions is unacceptable and affects the quality of the roads,” Rane said.
He alleged that the timing of the works was politically driven and claimed that the projects were being taken up at the last minute ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled for early 2027.
“In several constituencies, road works have been going on for the last four years, but in Mapusa they are being taken up only now, in May, just before the monsoon,” he added.
TFM Treasurer Rajesh Marathe also criticised the quality of pre-monsoon works in the town, alleging that several works remain incomplete despite the approaching monsoon.
He said some gutters had not been cleaned properly, increasing the risk of rainwater entering nearby shops during heavy showers.
Marathe also claimed that sludge removed from drains had been left along roadsides and could flow back into the gutters during rainfall.
TFM General Secretary Jitesh Kamat criticised the local MLA, alleging that more importance was being given to publicity than long-term development work in the town.
“If there was seriousness on the part of the MLA, road works would have been taken up much earlier instead of waiting until May,” Kamat said.
TFM Vice-President Vijay Bhike was also present at the press conference.
