The Khorjuve bridge at Aldona lies in a dilapidated state.
MAPUSA
The two bridges that were constructed with state-of-the-art technology at Khorjuvem-Aldona are in a dilapidated state and the government has neglected both these important bridges that join Khorjuvem village.
The Khorjuvem and Poira bridge are both tourist attractions and were built 15 years ago, but today they are in a dilapidated state without any maintenance work complain locals.
It is to be recalled that Poira bridge was constructed with opening bridge bull technology, with the foundation stone put on February 14, 2004 and the inauguration done on December 19, 2007. The bridge connects Khorjuvem and Mayem. The horizontal bridge was aimed at allowing easy navigation for the mineral ore-carrying barges. But after the inauguration, the bridge was never opened.
The bridge today lies in a dilapidated state, with rusted railing and generators. The two generators attached to the bridge to open it also are in a poor state along with the shade that was built to keep these generators. The locals point out that many parts of the bridge are now missing and express fear that the generator could also be stolen.
The Khorjuve bridge is a cable stud bridge, the foundation stone of which was laid on May 30, 2003. The bridge was inaugurated on November 21 2004. The government has neglected the bridge which today, is rusted without repairs and maintenance work. There are no street lights on the bridge and the poles are also rusted. There is no illumination or painting done in years. Since both these bridges are important from a tourism perspective, the locals demand that the government should take up repair work immediately.
Locals also pointed out the recent incident of the bridge collapse at Morbi in Gujarat, killing hundreds of people. The bridge was also neglected and remained without repairs for years, causing the sad and shocking incident to happen. Amit Agarwadekar, a local resident has demanded that the government should repair both these bridges and restore them to their original beauty.
"I have learnt that both the bridges at Aldona are in a dilapidated state and need urgent attention. I will personally visit the site and inspect these bridges and if convinced that they need repairs, will propose the government for doing so. I shall also follow up the matter in the Assembly if the matter does not get resolved,” said Adv Carlos Ferreira, Aldona MLA.
