PANAJI
Although alerting the authorities about poor signage at Merces nearly a month ago, GOACAN claims that the issue is being ignored. GOACAN Coordinator Roland Martins expressed shock at the threat to road safety due to the absence of mandatory signage at the work of dismantling the pipe culvert and construction of the box culvert in Merces.
Despite assurances from the PWD Executive Engineer on April 15, no action has been taken by the contractor to install the necessary signage.
Martins highlighted the danger posed by vehicles abruptly stopping at the site due to the lack of warning signs and noted the risk to riders/drivers forced to drastically reduce their speed without prior notice of diversions ahead.
Given the alarming rate of road fatalities in Goa, he also criticized negligence of both the contractor and the PWD's Junior Engineer/Assistant Engineer for failing to rectify the issue promptly.
“The government directed prominent proper sign boards mentioning diversion periods with dates in Konkani, English and Hindi, hazard markings, and blinkers at diversion locations by the Contracting Agency in addition to all required road safety measures as per laid down guidelines. Despite instructions, there is a stark contradiction on the ground,” Martins lamented.
GOACAN called for immediate intervention by various departments, urging officers to conduct on-site inspections and prepare reports with remedial measures.
The civic group also plans to raise the issue at upcoming meetings of the North Goa District Road Safety Committee and the State Road Safety Council.
