Demand urgent action ahead of monsoon season
ROUGH RIDE AHEAD: Cracked and uneven roads in Mapusa market continue to trouble shopkeepers and visitors, turning everyday errands into a daily struggle.
THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
Persistent complaints over the crumbling road infrastructure in Mapusa town reached a boiling point on Friday, as merchants expressed renewed outrage over the deplorable state of market roads – an issue that has lingered unresolved for over a year.
The roads in the bustling market area were dug up by the electricity department more than 12 months ago for underground cabling work.
However, what followed was a shoddy and incomplete patch-up job that left behind gaping depressions, potholes and dangerously uneven surfaces.
Shopkeepers and consumers alike have been grappling with the hazardous conditions. Numerous incidents of people tripping and injuring themselves have been reported, and yet the calls for proper road restoration have gone unheeded by civic authorities.
The Mapusa Merchants Association (MMA), led by President Jeetendra Falari, met with local MLA Joshua D’Souza and Mapusa Municipal Council Chairperson Priya Mishal on Friday to voice their deep dissatisfaction and demand immediate intervention.
With the monsoon season fast approaching, the merchants warned that the deteriorated roads would pose serious risks to public safety and economic activity.
“We told them clearly – the situation is unacceptable. Customers are facing difficulties and it’s hurting business,” said Falari.
“The MLA called the road contractor, who claimed he would try to carry out some patchwork, though the hotmixing plant is shutting down on May 15,” Falari added.
The contractor reportedly assured that if weather conditions permit, at least one layer of hotmix could be applied to the main market roads.
The meeting also touched on another contentious issue – retrospective sanitation charges being levied by the civic body.
Merchants expressed their discontent over the lack of transparency and consultation regarding these charges.
There is growing frustration among residents and traders over what they see as administrative apathy and poor governance.
With the monsoon just days away, large sections of Mapusa’s roads are expected to remain in a dilapidated state, leaving citizens to suffer yet another season of unsafe and uncomfortable commuting.
“This is not just about roads. It’s about the failure of leadership and accountability. How long do we wait for basic civic responsibility?” one merchant remarked bluntly.
