MAPUSA
The early onset of monsoon has triggered fresh concerns in Mapusa, as heavy pre-monsoon showers wreaked havoc at the government complex housing several crucial departments.
Widespread water leakage from the roof has severely impacted offices on the third floor, exposing the deteriorating state of public infrastructure and putting government employees at risk.
Among the affected departments are the Town and Country Planning (TCP) office, the Public Works Department (PWD), and the Labour department office.
Torrential rain has seeped through the compromised roofing, flooding workspaces and damaging equipment, furniture and official files.
In a desperate bid to protect office materials, employees were seen covering computers, documents and electrical appliances with plastic sheets and tarpaulin.
However, concerns are mounting over whether the ageing and visibly weakened roof can withstand the full force of the approaching monsoon.
“What’s worse is that this is not a private or neglected building. This complex houses the very PWD Buildings Department that is responsible for maintenance of public infrastructure. The irony is hard to miss,” said Jitesh Kamat, President of Shiv Sena (UBT), who slammed the government for neglecting basic upkeep of essential government buildings.
Kamat added, “Such conditions not only hamper the work of the departments but also endanger the lives of the employees working under these hazardous circumstances. If this is the condition of government facilities, what can the common man expect?”
Local activist Satish More echoed these concerns, warning of possible electrocution hazards. “The leaking roofs and flooded offices pose a serious risk of electric shock. The safety of the staff should be paramount. The government must intervene immediately and carry out urgent structural repairs before a tragedy occurs,” More said.
The incident has sparked outrage among civil society groups and the general public, with many calling for an independent audit of all government buildings to assess their structural safety ahead of the full monsoon season.
Despite the glaring issues, no official response has been issued yet by the PWD or district administration.
Meanwhile, staff continue to work under plastic sheets, braving both the rain and growing uncertainty.
