Vasco locals repair pavement at own cost after months of inaction

VASCO

Frustrated by prolonged inaction from civic authorities, residents of Julieta Building in Vasco have repaired a badly damaged pavement adjoining their building at their own expense, citing growing safety concerns for pedestrians, especially senior citizens.

The pavement had caved in several months ago and remained in a dangerous condition, making daily movement difficult for residents and passers-by who use the stretch regularly. Despite the risk posed to public safety, no repair work was taken up for months.

On July 7, 2025, the occupants of Julieta Building — Dr Fatima Mesquita, Dr Menezes, Iqbal Mohidin, Ganesh Navelkar and Sudakar Shetty — submitted a written request to the executive authorities of the municipality, seeking urgent repairs to the damaged pavement.

Residents said repeated reminders were also made thereafter. However, no response or action followed, either from the elected representative or from the municipal authorities.

With the damaged pavement continuing to pose a hazard, the residents decided to act on their own. The repair work was recently completed at their personal cost to ensure the stretch was safe and walkable.

The residents said that a proper pavement was not a luxury but a basic necessity.

“A safe and walkable footpath is a fundamental right of every citizen. When those responsible for public safety fail to act, citizens are left with no choice but to step in,” a resident said.

They pointed out that senior citizens were particularly affected, as many depend on the pavement for their daily walks and essential errands. “Leaving it unattended was an accident waiting to happen,” another resident said.

While expressing disappointment over the lack of response from civic bodies, the residents said their initiative was taken purely in the interest of public safety. They hoped the action would serve as a reminder to elected representatives and municipal authorities that issues affecting public safety and cleanliness require timely attention and should not be ignored.