The shifting of the collectorate that was earlier located opposite the Margao municipal garden and the district hospital from Hospicio was considered to be the solution to reducing the traffic load that Margao is put through every day.
However, due to red tape and other delays, sources have pointed out that it would take close to 2 years for the district hospital to be completed. “There is absolutely no parking near the hospital as well and it is a busy area with the cemetery and offices nearby. There is definitely a need to have a much bigger space, given that the number of people visiting the hospital is only going to increase” said Margao resident Simon Afonso.
So while the district collectorate has shifted along with Presentation High School in its vicinity, Margao residents point out that Hospicio brings in hordes and hordes of people from all over South Goa.
For instance, the bus stops near Hospicio often create bottle necks on the road to Margao from the Holy Spirit church and all plans to reorganize traffic have also been kept on hold till the hospital is shifted.
Interestingly, the district collectorate officials have already banned the entry of vehicles from the front entrance to prevent traffic congestion. Traffic police stated that there are plans in place to accommodate the rise in traffic once the hospital is shifted but it appears that the citizens of Margao will have to wait a long time for that to happen.
