To repair the pothole-ridden roads, the cash-starved Public Works Department has no funds to undertake the immediate work. The PWD, responsible for road repair works in Goa, stands as a testament to how poor maintenance of roads creates problems for the public. It might seem to be a diversionary tactic, as the main reason for the belated initiation of repair works could be the State’s poor financial condition. Inconveniences are faced on a daily basis by the citizens due to the shabby road condition.
The government needs no reminding that investing in infrastructure projects could spur economic growth. Thus, priority should be given to proper maintenance of all roads, whether they are national highways, inter-district/village roads, or the narrowest lanes in residential areas. The government must find means to generate resources to manage day-to-day affairs, which include the proper maintenance of the road networks.
People think that with the parliamentary elections just a few months away, there will be a road-making spree with an eye on votes. While the law and order system is so poor that it doesn’t punish those who make poor-quality roads. Another fact is that only half of the budgeted money is spent on projects and infrastructure, including roads, with the other half being diverted or siphoned off.
