the goan I network
MAPUSA
The partial collapse of an old building along the main State highway in Mapusa is posing grave threat to motorists and pedestrians.
Due to recent downpour, part of the masonry work of the building has collapsed and now there is serious threat that the whole structure may come down.
Although most of the building remains unoccupied, three tenants who run businesses on the ground floor have refused to budge.
The location of the building which is along the main road has stirred fear among motorists and pedestrians in Mapusa.
A lot of school children also traverse through the road.
For the moment, traffic police has placed two barricades on the road to warn motorists.
“The building is in bad shape. We have issued notices to the tenants to vacate it to prevent any tragedy,” said Mapusa Municipal Council Chairperson Ryan Braganza.
The Mapusa Fire Services which inspected the structure in its report said the building has “partially collapsed”.
Citizens expressed concern over the stability of the building and wanted government to take immediate precautionary steps in the area.
“This is dangerous for public. Traffic needs to be diverted and something urgent done about the building before disaster takes place,” said Isidore Correia.
According to consumer activist, Roland Martins, the building should be immediately barricaded and engineers should visit the site.
“The disaster management machinery has clearly failed in its role. There are many such buildings in Mapusa showing signs of stress. A list should be promptly made of such buildings,” Martins said.
He said it was a wakeup call for the Mapusa civic body which has to also don the cap of disaster management and take quick steps before any untoward incident happens.
A PWD officer informed The Goan that structural stability of the building has to be assessed promptly.
“People occupying the building have to be evacuated and the building has to be sealed to prevent any eventuality,” the officer said.
The building which is near the old Mapusa Municipality belongs to a private owner. In the past, the sub-registrar’s office was housed on the first floor of the building.
