Morlem residents demand attention to ‘unsafe' bridge

the goan I network
VALPOI

The Morlem village in Poriem constituency has over 100 houses and a footbridge was constructed about 20 years ago to enable the 500-odd residents to cross the Valvanti river. With development in the area, residents later demanded a bridge for vehicles but their requests were turned down. The existing bridge is narrow and residents cannot take their four-wheelers to their residence.
Morlem Deputy Sarpanch Sushant Paste has been actively pursuing the demand for a new bridge, but his efforts have been in vain.
Locals have now complained that the bridge is weakened and authorities is also reported to have submitted a report stating that the bridge is unsafe.
"We have raised this issue at the Morlem Gram Sabha several times and we even submitted a memorandum in this connection on two occasions. Authorities had even conducted a survey of this bridge," said Vishwas Kesarkar, a youth from Morlem.
Some pillars have developed cracks at many places, while iron roads are exposed. Since there is no illumination at night on the bridge, locals also have to face difficulties while crossing the bridge
after dusk.
According to Paste, this bridge is very essential for residents of Bagwada.
"During my tenure as sarpanch of Morlem, we had passed resolution demanding a new vehicular bridge and submitted it to GSIDC officials. The GSIDC took up this proposal, but the work has not been tendered so far. We will definitely pursue this matter," said Paste.
When contacted, PWD (roads) Assistant Engineer Mahajan said the department had conducted a survey of the bridge. "The department has also submitted a proposal for a new bridge and is awaiting sanction for the project,"
he said.