MAPUSA
Highlighting the issue of “dangerous” open drains along the road side in several parts of Aldona, the Congress has urged the PWD to take up corrective measures to repair such drains to avoid accidents and save precious lives.
The Aldona Congress Block has identified several spots in the village where open/broken drains hinder smooth movement of traffic and resulted in accidents.
In a letter to the PWD, the Aldona Congress has requested the executive engineer to conduct a survey of the open drains that could lead to fatal accidents.
The party has also asked the department to undertake proper fitness and strength test of various drains constructed in the village and ensure robust construction of such drains.
The letter further requested the PWD to cover the drains with strong iron railings or cement slabs on either side of the roads.
“The open drains along the roadside on Aldona-Mapusa road have witnessed several accidents in the past resulting in loss of lives and damage to property. The department should take stock and act swiftly to avoid any such incidents in future,” said Ashwin D’Souza, President, Aldona Congress Block in his letter.
The Nachinola-Ucassaim-Mapusa road, Carona-Aldona road (near John Vaz house) and Aldona-Mapusa road (from Delip Naik shop to home for the aged) were some of the stretches which have been prone to accidents due to the open drains, the Aldona Congress said.
The Pradesh Congress Committee member, Amarnath Panjikar said that a PWD officer had shown them a PWD circular which directed the officials not to take up works of covering drains and allied works.
“It is unfortunate that government has issued such a circular. The PWD is eager to resolve public issues but seem to be directionless on the matter as proposals are outright rejected...,” Panjikar said.
