The trenches that were dug up across the roads to lay the underground power cables have made life miserable of motorists in Mapusa. This is one such road stretch from Vilenna Hotel to the church at Angod, Mapusa. Captured by : Agnelo Pereira
MAPUSA
As the monsoon season looms on the horizon, the Mapusa civic body braces for potential chaos as key roads remain in a state of disrepair, posing significant risks to both pedestrians and motorists.
Several thoroughfares, including those in Angod, market area, Gaunsavaddo, Peddem, and other areas, are currently marred by trenches and uneven surfaces, stemming from recent underground electricity cable installation work.
Residents and business owners alike are voicing their frustrations over the lack of action from authorities to address these pressing issues.
Pratik Shirodkar, a shop-owner in Tali-wada, Mapusa, lamented the sloppy execution of the underground cabling project, highlighting the frequent need for road re-excavation and the ensuing hazards posed to two-wheeler riders.
Laura D’Sa, proprietor of Popular Pharmacy in Angod, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the dual challenges of uneven roads and pervasive dust pollution, which have made daily operations exceedingly difficult for local businesses.
“The situation is dreadful. Ever since the roads were excavated for cable work, we've been inundated with issues. Not only are the roads uneven, but the dust pollution is unbearable. We’re constantly wiping down our counters and merchandise every five minutes just to keep up with the fine dust creeping into our premises,” lamented D’Sa.
Moreover, disruptions to water pipelines during the cable installation process have further exacerbated the plight of residents, who now find themselves contending with inadequate water supply.
The condition of Mapusa's municipal market is equally distressing, with patch-up work on roads proving to be haphazard and substandard.
Concrete slabs covering drains have been haphazardly placed, posing additional risks to public safety.
Despite assurances from municipal authorities, concerns remain regarding the timely completion of road repairs.
Narayan Ratwad, an ex-councilor and resident of Khorlim, Mapusa, expressed disappointment over the slow progress, emphasizing the urgency of completing repairs before the onset of monsoon.
In response to mounting criticism, a senior engineer from the Mapusa civic body outlined the division of responsibilities between the Department of Electricity and the Public Works Department (PWD).
While the PWD is tasked with repairing roads excavated by the electricity department, progress has been sluggish, with completion estimates falling short of public expectations.
With monsoon just a fortnight away, the urgency of addressing Mapusa's road infrastructure woes cannot be overstated.
Failure to expedite repairs not only jeopardizes public safety but also threatens to disrupt essential services and impede economic activity in the region.
As residents anxiously await tangible solutions, the onus lies squarely on municipal authorities to prioritize the well-being of their constituents and ensure that Mapusa's roads are fit for purpose ahead of the impending deluge.
