Sarpanch assures to repair roads after monsoon
Pothole-riddled road at Arrarim-Saligao poses challenges for commuters.
MAPUSA
Residents of Saligao have expressed significant frustration over the deteriorating state of their main roads. The key arterial road leading to the Pilerne industrial estate and another stretch at Arrarim-Saligao, which leads to Mater-Dei High School, are plagued with large potholes, making travel extremely difficult.
These roads were reportedly dug up during the summer for utility line installations but were not repaired before the onset of the monsoon, leaving local commuters in a dire situation. The rains have exacerbated the situation, turning already bad roads into perilous pathways, particularly dangerous for two-wheeler riders who cannot gauge the depth of potholes filled with rainwater.
Local residents have voiced their discontent with the authorities for not taking prompt measures to at least patch up the roads before the rains began.
Jerry Fernandes, a concerned resident of Saligao, highlighted the issue on the community platform Saligao-Net. Fernandes criticised the PWD for digging up the road to lay an underground pipeline network and then failing to restore it before the rains.
“If the PWD officials had no intention of restoring the road, why did they allow the labourers to vandalise the stretch and leave it in a horrible condition for locals to suffer?” Fernandes questioned.
Other members of the online platform echoed Fernandes’ sentiments, expressing sympathy and gratitude for highlighting the road conditions.
Marina Fernandes, another resident, shared a personal incident, stating, “A neighbour slipped and fell from his bike and broke his toe on this bad stretch. People plying on the road are having a tough time dodging the potholes. Next month’s rains will wash away whatever little road is left. I hope those responsible will take some measures to ease the problem of commuters.”
An 800-metre stretch of the road leading to the Pilerne industrial estate is also in terrible condition, affecting hundreds of vehicles that use this crucial route daily. Local residents are frustrated with the local panchayat and the MLA for ignoring the poor state of these roads.
Saligao Sarpanch, Lucas Remedios, acknowledged the issue, stating that the road was partially repaired but got washed out with the first rains. “The road will be immediately taken up for hotmixing after the monsoon. But for the time being, we will request the PWD to fill up the potholes to minimise the problem for commuters,” he assured.
