The ongoing work to repair the killer Arlem-Raia road triggered an uproar after local residents complained of sub standard quality carried out by the contractor.
Locals alleged that the road was being repaired without using tar at the base and got the black metal removed to prove the sub standard quality. Local MLA Reginaldo Lourenco and a PWD engineer were called by the local residents to see for themselves how the road was being repaired without a coat of tar.
The incident occurred around noon when locals noticed that tar was not being used at the base before laying the metal. Activist Romao Jesus said that the sub standard quality work is responsible for the pathetic condition of the road and demanded action. “Residents of Arlem and Raia have been agitating against the pathetic condition of the killer, which has claimed the lives of many motorists and pedestrians. But, here we saw that the road repair work was not being carried out as per the specifications,” Romao said.
Taking cognisance of the repair work without using tar, Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco asked the PWD engineer to ensure that the contractor adheres by the tender specifications. “We cannot allow any sub standard work on a road which has claimed the lives of many motorists and pedestrians,” Romao added.
A PWD official assured the agitating residents that the contractor will be told to use tar at the base before laying the metal. “I assure you all that that the contractor will adhere to the specifications,” he added.
