THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
Highlighting the deteriorating condition of roads across Goa, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo has called on the government to prioritise urgent repairs to potholes and washed-out road patches.
With numerous accidents occurring due to the poor condition of roads, Lobo stressed that the situation needs immediate attention to ensure the safety of motorists, especially two-wheeler riders.
He emphasised the need for swift and coordinated action from the government.
"The government should bring out a combined tender for the entire state to fill up the potholes and repair the washed-out road patches," he said, underscoring the inefficiency of fragmented roadwork efforts.
With the monsoon season subsiding, he called for road repairs to be taken up as an emergency measure.
“People are meeting with accidents because of the potholes. The government should not wait for the lengthy tendering process, but instead, assign the road repair works on a nomination basis so that the situation can be addressed quickly,” Lobo said.
The Calangute MLA revealed that he had already written to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, urging him to treat road repairs as a top priority.
According to Lobo, the problem has escalated to the point where potholes have become a major hazard on almost every road in the State, making daily commuting extremely challenging for both locals and tourists.
"Both residents and visitors are facing tremendous difficulties because of the poor road conditions," Lobo said.
"It’s good that we are celebrating Road Safety Week, but we must first repair the roads to ensure the safety of those driving on them. The potholes are making life miserable for motorists, especially two-wheeler riders, who are at a greater risk of accidents," he added
Lobo’s concerns come in the wake of several mishaps in recent weeks, which residents and local authorities have largely attributed to the worsening road conditions. He reiterated the need for the state government to treat this issue with urgency, suggesting that road repair work should be taken up on a "war footing."
In response to earlier concerns raised about road conditions, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had previously directed road contractors and engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD) to ensure that all roads under their purview were repaired by November 30, particularly those under warranty.
