Access to shops difficult especially for senior citizens
CIVIC FAILURE, CITIZENS’ SOLUTION: Traders in the Mapusa municipal market repair a portion of the internal road using their own funds after repeated appeals to the civic body for repairs went unanswered.
MAPUSA
The poor condition of roads in Angod is not an isolated issue, as several internal roads in the Mapusa municipal market area are also in a state of neglect compelling the shopkeepers to step in.
Roads across the bustling market complex have deteriorated sharply, causing inconvenience to shoppers and traders alike.
The roads were dug up nearly two years ago for underground cabling work. While the stretches were subsequently refilled, the work was carried out in a shoddy manner. With the onset of the monsoon, the loosely filled surfaces gave way, resulting in potholes, uneven patches and depressions at multiple locations in and around the market.
Market-goers have criticised the Mapusa Municipal Council for failing to carry out timely repairs, stating that the poor road conditions have made access to shops difficult, especially for senior citizens.
Several elderly shoppers have reportedly stumbled and fallen due to the uneven surface, suffering injuries.
Frustrated by the inaction of the civic body, some shopkeepers said they were compelled to pool funds and repair portions of the internal roads on their own.
“The condition of the roads is pathetic. Since the authorities failed to act, merchants had no option but to step in,” a shopkeeper said.
