Canacona: With Goa attaining liberation in 1961,a majority of Goa’s infrastructure, including minor brides and culverts on the internal roads all over Goa were built during the post-liberation period.
However, with negligible attention given to quality control, amongst other aspects of road constructions during that period; most of the thousands of minor bridges and culverts on various internal roads in Goa as also in Canacona are in dilapidated condition and can collapse at any moment if they are not attended to on top priority.
Many of these structures now face immensely increased load as well as traffic, much more than they were initially designed for. In addition, the harsh climate has compounded the situation and as a result these structures are left in the critical phase of their life cycle.
These bridges need urgent rehabilitation as the steel that is used for reinforcement has corroded beyond repair; the laterite stones of the side walls in some cases have weathered away; the wing walls have developed cracks; not to mention settlement of foundations and a host of other issues ailing these essential structures.
After a metal bridge over Zuari river at Sanvordem which was closed for public use
partially collapsed on 18th may last year, the Public Works Department (PWD) had invited expressions of interest from bidders to conduct structural audit of bridges and culverts across Goa and recommend, measures or new construction wherever required. Apart from sanctioning the audit work for Rs. 2. 3 crore there is no other action on the ground and the structures lie at the mercy of nature with commuters crossing some of them with God’s name on their lips.
Enquiries with the local PWD authorities revealed that estimates are prepared and even financial sanction granted in some cases, however they are awaiting for the work sanction from the higher officers.
The PWD officials who are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of these civil works, apart from doing estimates have not undertaken anything for these ailing culverts and minor bridges, allege locals.
Concerned locals also say that if any of these structures collapse than there certainly will be loss of lives. The bridges, used for the purpose of connecting lives would then themselves shorten lives allege locals. They also suggested that a speed limit for motor vehicles while crossing these structures could be a temporary arrangement till they are repaired or replaced.
A civil engineer wishing to be unidentified said these structures have been rendered weak and need checking from the point of civic engineering. “This exercise should be like doctor checking a patient and necessary steps should be taken immediately if faults are identified”, he added.
When this correspondent spoke to the local MLA Isidore Fernandes who accords top priority to roads, water and electricity amongst other things affirmed that he had written to the authorities and awaits a quick solution to the weak structures in his constituency.
“I had raised this issue in the assembly in the past and will do it again in future till all the weak structures are either repaired or reconstructed” Fernandes asserted as with
Goa, Canacona now await either replacement or repair of these structures towards safe and secure travel.
