MAPUSA
The Public Works Department (PWD) has undertaken an ambitious project to upgrade the water supply infrastructure in Mapusa, resulting in extensive excavation of internal roads at Angod.
The ongoing work has transformed the area into a construction zone, causing significant inconvenience to residents and motorists.
While new pipelines have been laid in several locations and trenches have been covered with mud, the uneven road surface has created hazardous conditions, especially for two-wheeler riders.
The dust pollution from the excavation work has also become a major issue for residents and businesses in the area.
Angod, being close to the main market, experiences heavy vehicular movement, further exacerbating the difficulties caused by the project.
Additionally, the lack of adequate safety precautions by the PWD has raised concerns among the public.
One particular hazard is located on the main road leading to Mapusa Church near Pharmacia Popular, where a large pit has been left open for several days without any protective measures.
Warning signs have been displaced, and mandatory safety tapes have not been installed, leading to accidents.
“There have already been a few accidents here. Just recently, a woman on a scooter fell near the pit and injured her leg. The authorities must take immediate action to ensure safety, especially at night,” said Peter D’Sa, a local resident.
A senior PWD official stated that once the new pipeline network is fully installed, the department will conduct testing before proceeding with road restoration.
“We will restore the roads by fully grouting the trenches that were dug up,” a PWD engineer assured.
The work is expected to take another 15 days to a month to complete.
The project aims to replace aging pipelines, some over 40 years old, to address long-standing complaints of inadequate water supply in the area.
