Unsecured pipes along Assagao road trigger safety concerns

ROADSIDE HAZARD: Water pipes lie unsecured along the busy Assagao–Mapusa road, prompting residents to warn that the rolling pipes pose a serious risk to two-wheelers and passing vehicles.

MAPUSA

Assagao residents have voiced strong safety concerns after several new water pipes were dumped and left unsecured along the main road leading toward Mapusa, creating what locals describe as a “serious accident waiting to happen.”

Three large bundles of pipes, reportedly unloaded by the Public Works Department (PWD) as part of an ongoing water supply upgrade, have been lying unattended on the sides of the narrow road for the past few days.

With continuous traffic movement – particularly two-wheelers and tourist vehicles – the pipes are said to shift and occasionally roll onto the asphalt due to vibrations caused by passing vehicles.

“It takes just one scooter to skid because a pipe has rolled out and we will have a tragedy on our hands,” said Chandan Mandrekar, a local and Congress leader, who first flagged the issue.

“This road is steep in patches and very busy. Leaving heavy material like this without any barricading or warning signs is irresponsible,” he added.

Other residents echoed the concern, pointing out that visibility on this stretch is low during evenings.

“Many tourists use this road to get to Anjuna and Vagator. If something happens, who will take responsibility – the contractor or the PWD?” asked another local, Rita D’Souza.

The Assagao panchayat, when contacted, acknowledged the issue and said it had already alerted the department.

“We have received complaints from villagers. We have asked the PWD to either shift the pipes to a safer location or secure them properly. Public safety cannot be compromised,” said Hanumant Naik, Assagao Sarpanch.

PWD officials, however, maintained that the pipes were temporarily placed along the roadside due to ongoing trench work in the area.

A senior engineer from the division said the department would take corrective steps.

“The material is part of the approved water pipeline replacement project. We will ensure the pipes are tied down and barricaded. Our workers will be instructed to address the issue immediately,” the official said.

Residents insist the action must be swift.

“Why wait for an accident to happen? A simple precaution can prevent a disaster,” Mandrekar said.

Meanwhile, locals have urged motorists to be cautious while driving through the area until the pipes are secured or removed.