Joshua D’Souza has stated that pre-monsoon infrastructure works across the Mapusa constituency are nearing completion, with projects such as underground cabling and road hot-mixing being undertaken to improve civic infrastructure ahead of the rainy season.
Addressing concerns over recurring waterlogging at Usapkar Junction and other parts of Mapusa, the MLA explained that flooding in the area is caused by multiple factors, including low-lying fields that function as natural water buffers and tidal influences that impact drainage during high and low tides.
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D’Souza further revealed that a detailed inspection of the Mapusa River and nearby infrastructure was recently carried out with the support of Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
While expressing confidence that the situation would remain manageable during the upcoming monsoon, the MLA acknowledged that extreme rainfall events could still create challenges in certain areas.
To strengthen preparedness and emergency response, D’Souza said he has directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate and the Mapusa Municipal Council to establish a dedicated emergency task force.
According to the MLA, the task force will focus on clearing fallen trees and debris, cleaning and maintaining gutters, removing mud and silt from roads, and ensuring that JCB machines and manpower remain on standby for rapid deployment during emergencies.
The initiative aims to ensure quicker response during heavy rainfall and minimise disruption to traffic, public safety and daily movement of residents during the monsoon season.
