Traders, residents blame authorities’ inaction
MAPUSA
Days after a daring break-in at the Mapusa municipal market, where thieves targeted six shops, serious questions are being raised once again over the lack of a working CCTV surveillance system in the town – an issue this newspaper had highlighted last year.
The incident has brought renewed attention to the long-standing demand for a proper surveillance network. Traders and residents say the authorities’ inaction has emboldened criminals.
A report published last year noted that most CCTV cameras in and around the busy Mapusa market had fallen into disrepair due to poor maintenance, leaving key commercial areas unmonitored. Despite repeated requests from the Mapusa Merchants Association and the traffic police to install cameras at strategic points, little has changed.
The recent burglary has reinforced these fears. Shopkeepers say the absence of surveillance leaves them vulnerable and allows miscreants to act without fear of being caught. “There has been no follow-up despite earlier assurances. Incidents like this are bound to happen when there is no monitoring system,” said a trader, reflecting the concerns of the business community.
The civic body has also faced criticism, especially since a resolution to install CCTV cameras across Mapusa never progressed beyond paperwork. Even promises from local MLA Joshua D’Souza, who had said cameras would be installed through CSR initiatives, have yet to produce results.
Traffic police continue to stress that surveillance at key entry and exit points is essential for both crime detection and traffic management in a town of Mapusa’s size.
With neighbouring towns already having functional CCTV networks, the delay in Mapusa is more noticeable than ever. Residents warn that unless action is taken immediately, incidents like the recent break-in may become more frequent. For many, the theft is not an isolated crime but the result of prolonged neglect – a stark reminder of warnings that went unheeded.
