A man carries his father up to the Sub-Registrar's office on the second floor of a privately-owned building in Morod, Mapusa, as the lift is out of order. Captured by : Umesh Zarmaker
MAPUSA
In the bustling town of Mapusa, Bardez, the Deputy Registrar’s (Sub-Registrar) office plays a crucial role in the administration of property transactions.
However, its location on the second floor of Essar Trade Center has become a significant challenge for many visitors, particularly the elderly and disabled.
This challenge stems from the frequent breakdowns of the office’s dedicated lift, which has once again been shut down due to a power supply issue.
The State government established the Sub-Registrar's office on the second floor of this privately-owned two-story building, acknowledging the need for a lift to assist visitors.
In response, a special elevator was installed. But for years now, this lift has been prone to frequent malfunctions, leaving citizens no choice but to climb the hundred steps to reach the office.
For the elderly and disabled, this ordeal has become a distressing part of their visits.
STRUGGLE FOR VULNERABLE
Without the lift, many elderly and physically challenged individuals find themselves in a physically taxing situation. Some are even forced to rely on their relatives to carry them up the steep stairs.
Adding to their struggle, the stairway lacks proper railing support, forcing visitors to balance themselves by holding onto the walls.
Just this past Wednesday, the issue hit home when a politician’s son from Bardez had to climb the building’s stairs to access the Sub-Registrar’s office. His experience highlighted the widespread inconvenience caused by the elevator's closure.
The root cause of this recurring issue seems to be the elevator’s faulty power supply phase. Experts are working to diagnose the exact fault, with officials promising a quick resolution once the problem is identified.
PUBLIC OUTCRY
The Sub-Registrar’s office is a vital centre for property sales and purchases, regularly attracting large crowds, many of whom are elderly.
The ongoing elevator problems are not just a minor inconvenience but a major barrier to access for those who need to visit the office.
Sanjay Gadekar, a local resident, has voiced his concerns, urging the government to step in and take control of the situation.
“This office sees a constant stream of elderly visitors. The government must take charge to ensure their comfort and convenience. Common people are suffering because of the constant closure of the lift,” Gadekar said.
The issue of the lift was also raised in the Goa Legislative Assembly, sparking some action.
In 2018, the Goa State Urban Development Agency stepped in to install a lift in the building.
However, recurring problems such as maintenance contract expirations, power supply issues, and outstanding dues owed to the agency responsible for the lift have left it frequently out of service.
NEED FOR SOLUTION
As experts work to fix the current issue, it’s clear that a long-term solution is urgently needed.
The temporary fixes and recurring breakdowns have already caused undue hardship for many citizens, especially those who are most vulnerable.
The lack of accessibility is a pressing concern, and residents hope that the government will step up and find a lasting resolution to the problem.
In a town where property transactions are a critical part of the economy, ensuring easy access to the Sub-Registrar’s office should be a top priority.
For now, though, many are left hoping that the lift will be fixed soon, allowing them to avoid the dreaded climb up the stairs and the unnecessary strain that comes with it.
