Wednesday 22 Jan 2025

Hotmixing brings relief to Siolim-Marna roads despite widening controversy

The Goan Network | JANUARY 22, 2025, 01:39 AM IST

MAPUSA  

After years of neglect and controversy, the main Siolim-Marna thoroughfare is finally seeing significant improvements, with the State government clearing most bottlenecks and initiating hotmixing of roads, much to the relief of motorists and locals.   

The Public Works Department (PWD) has undertaken the hotmixing and allied works on the main roads of Siolim at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore. This includes the main road from Tarir junction to St Anthony Church, which is being upgraded with widening, construction of drains, footpaths, and a median.   

The hotmixing of this 2 km stretch is estimated to cost Rs 4 crore, while the widening and other allied works are pegged at Rs 3 crore. Meanwhile, the 4 km road from Mapusa to St Anthony Church, Siolim, has also been hotmixed at an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore.   

For nearly six years, the Mapusa to Siolim-Marna road had remained in poor condition, causing considerable hardship to both motorists and pedestrians. 

In 2019, the Water Resources Department dug up the road to lay a new water pipeline, leaving it incomplete as the monsoon arrived.   

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further delayed repairs.   

A patch-up job carried out by a contractor was widely criticised for its poor quality, leaving the road in a dilapidated state until now.   

The recent hotmixing has been widely welcomed by locals, who say the improvements were long overdue.   

However, the widening of roads remains a contentious issue. Some locals have criticised the expansion, questioning its necessity. “Repairing and hotmixing of roads were essential, but the widening was uncalled for,” said Aaron Fernandes, a petitioner who opposed the cutting of trees for road widening in the High Court.   

“The perception that wider roads reduce accidents is flawed,” he added.   

Despite differing opinions, the completed road works have brought a sense of relief to the community, marking a significant improvement in the infrastructure of the coastal village.  

When it comes to road widening, my hubby is the best, says Delilah   

MAPUSA: Acknowledging the sacrifices made by villagers who gave up portions of their land for the widening of roads in Siolim, MLA Delilah Lobo also credited her MLA husband, Michael Lobo, for his expertise in executing road infrastructure projects.   

“We require these widened roads. I thank my ‘patidev’ for taking up this project. As far as widening of roads is concerned, he’s the best. I would not have been able to do it without him,” Delilah Lobo said while inaugurating the hotmixing of the road in Siolim.  




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