the goan I network
MAPUSA
A pedestrian had narrow escape in Mapusa market when chunks of cement from the ceiling of the municipal market corridor fell on the ground, narrowly missing him on Wednesday evening.
The incident took place at around 5.30 pm along the front line, which houses jewellery shops.
Chunks of concrete narrowly missed to fall on the head of the pedestrian by inches, although it struck him on his feet.
“The cement pieces missed the pedestrian by a whisker or else he could have got hurt,” an eyewitness told The Goan.
There are several such places in the municipal market where the ceiling has worn off due to aging and needs urgent repair.
The State government has plans to repair and renovate the market and had also made a provision of Rs 20 crore for it. Mapusa Municipal Council has also given a go ahead for the renovation plans.
On getting information, Market Committee Chairman Sushant Harmalkar rushed to the site and conducted an inspection of the area and issued instructions to the staff. “The roof of the corridor has got soaked with rain water over a period of time. As a result, the concrete pealed off and fell apart,” Harmalkar said.
He said necessary instructions have been issued to undertake repair work. “As it’s raining, we can take some temporary measures. After the rains subside, we will take permanent steps,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mapusa has received steady rainfall throughout the day. Life in the city was normal but some tree falling incidents were reported in other areas of Bardez. Tree falling incidents were reported in Siolim, Badem and Vagator.
A house wall of unoccupied house was reported in Mapusa. “Most of the incidents were minor and there were not much damage reported,” said a fire officer at Mapusa Fire Station.
