TEAM HERALD

bureau@herald-goa.com

PORVORIM: The proposed Aldona-Calvim Bridge may be a much-needed project for residents, especially after the Aldona bus tragedy on February 18, but a new problem has confronted the locals as work has begun on the proposed bridge.

A number of residents have complained to the Aldona Panchayat and the Aldona Primary Health Centre (PHC) that the workers have become a nuisance in the area, largely due to the indifferent attitude of the PWD.

The aggrieved residents stated that the labourers have been bathing and defecating in open places, by the roadside, in the fields and along the riverbank.

In their complaint, the residents stated that over 100 workers are presently stationed on both sides of the river, at Calvim and Lankdem, as work is in progress.

The Public Works Department has built toilets for them, but since the septic tanks are not yet ready, the workers are not allowed to use these toilets and are forced to use open spaces to answer nature’s call.

The residents had complained about the matter to the Primary Health Centre  on December 17, but no action has been taken till date to resolve the problem.

They have now appealed to the Panchayat to take urgent steps to prevent labourers from defecating in the open, as it could be a health hazard in the area.