OLD GOA
Attempts by the highway contractor to fill an important culvert along the NH17 highway at Merces was foiled by locals of Merces, who forced the contractor to remove the debris and restore the culvert to its original position.
The Goan was informed that the contractor began work to fill the culvert, which is located on the left side while exiting Panaji and proceeding towards Merces, on Friday morning.
The contactor was apparently filling the culvert with debris as part of expansion of the highway road.
However, Merces locals who came to know of the incident gathered at the site and also called up St Cruz MLA Tony Fernandes as well as the flying squad to stop the work.
Upon reaching the site, MLA Fernandes issued directions to officials of the contractor as well as national highway to immediately remove the debris. “I have issued directions to immediately restore the culvert to its original position,” Fernandes informed The Goan.
Morombi-O-Pequeno Tenants Association President Armstrong Braganza, who is also the deputy sarpanch of Merces, said they issued a stern warning to the contractor to remove the debris or face severe consequences.
A local, Michael Dias, who was one of the first to notify of the incident said, “This is an important culvert which regulates the smooth flow of saline water from one side of the highway to the other. If it is blocked, then the people of Merces could face disasters like flooding.”
Dias was present at the site till late evening to ensure that the debris was completely removed.
