Utility upgrades, milling held up road works, says MLA
MAPUSA
After facing flak for bad roads, Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza has announced that multiple roads across the town will be repaired and resurfaced with hotmix before the onset of the monsoon, with the project expected to cost approximately ₹31 crore.
The move comes after rising public criticism over deteriorating road conditions across parts of the town.
D’Souza acknowledged the delay in road works, attributing it to the ongoing installation of underground utilities, including power cables and water pipelines. One key factor contributing to the delay, according to the MLA, is the requirement for milling – the process of removing the top layer of a road surface before relaying new tar. This technique, recently introduced in the area, is being implemented in several stretches.
“I understand people are frustrated, but these upgrades are necessary and ultimately for the benefit of residents,” D’Souza said.
Among the immediate priorities is the repair of trenches in Angod, which were dug for utility works. These will be filled with grout and patched with hotmix. However, full resurfacing will be held off until after the monsoon to allow the roads to settle.
In Gaunsavaddo, only patchwork will be carried out for now, as the road is expected to be reopened soon for laying sewerage connections to individual homes.
A flood-prone stretch in Cunchelim, known for developing potholes during the rainy season, will also be hotmixed as part of the pre-monsoon works.
The MLA stated that road repairs in wards 13, 14 and 17 are among those planned before the rains arrive.
Patch-up work in the Mapusa market area is also planned, though certain areas of milling and resurfacing in the market will be done in a single phase once preliminary surveys are completed.
A 3-kilometre stretch of road from Hotel Green Park to Mapusa is also included in the list of major resurfacing projects to be undertaken soon.
D’Souza reiterated that while not all roads will receive complete hotmixing immediately, targeted repairs will address the most urgent concerns before the monsoon begins.
Road revival on cards
Angod, Gaunsawado, Peddem water pipeline road reinstatement at Rs 4.63 cr
Improvement of road from Xelpem junction to Marna Siolim at Rs 1.76 Cr
Hot mixing of 3 km road Hotel Satyaheera to Hotel Greenpark at Rs 8.28 Cr
Side drain in and around football ground in Ganeshpuri at Rs 0.40 Cr
Improvement of road in market, sub-yard and bus stand at Rs 5.54 Cr
Improvement of internal roads at gate 3 of St Xavier’s College at Rs 6.72 Cr
Construction of road and side drains Ghateshwar Temple in ward16 at Rs 0.78 Cr
Improvement and hot mixing of various roads at Khorlim ward 14 at Rs 0.29 Cr
Retaining wall in Khorlim at Rs 0.32 Cr
