CIVIC FORUM
Conduct signboard survey
ADELMO FERNANDES, VASCO
In Goa one can see signboards almost at a distance of every ten metres, especially in the cities. These signboards can be very confusing. While at some places, there are even two (sometimes more) signboards at the same spot, and at other places they are in dire need of a fresh coat of paint. Along the highway, one even comes across signboards totally obscured by thick foliage, and serves no purpose. Some boards are tilted in the opposite direction and are misleading, while still others have been brought down to the ground, probably by some heavy vehicle. However, the authorities remain indifferent, to the reality of the situation.
The authorities’ concerned have to conduct a survey of all the existing signboards in the state. The ones which do not serve any purpose should be removed. In future, there should be some stipulations that need to be met with, as far as putting up of signboards is concerned.
Traffic chaos at Navelim
FELINO D’SOUZA, NAVELIM
On 13 Jan, Navelim witnessed yet another motor accident just opposite the Apiano Supermarket, wherein a two wheeler came under the wheels of a bus.
The stretch of the national highway passing through Navelim, especially at this particular spot, is a known accident prone zone, and has experienced several accidents in the past.
In addition to being a business hub, Navelim also plays host to several educational institutions that cater to the needs of thousands of students, and also the Navelim Church. Thousands of motorists transit through Navelim each day enroute to the commercial capital, and areas beyond. This results in utter chaos at the Navelim junction especially during school/college opening and closing hours.
Sadly, the present traffic management system at Navelim is pathetic. The lone traffic cop posted at peak hours cannot be expected to do justice to his job, in the midst of heavy vehicular traffic.
The traffic authorities need to do some serious thinking and introduce a more effective traffic management system at Navelim, before innocent lives are lost due to reckless driving.
The following steps could help ease the traffic situation.
.Efforts may be made to encourage the use of the under-pass at the Navelim junction by pedestrians. (This was inaugurated with much fanfare not long ago, but unfortunately remains unused.)
.Re-commissioning of the traffic lights at the Navelim junction.
.Introduction of compulsory speed limit along the Navelim stretch of the NH.
.Speed breakers to be installed at the Goa Palace cross roads, Navelim junction and opposite Apiano Supermarket
It is hoped that the present haphazard road widening works from Goa Palace to Sitara Motors will be completed at the earliest. This stretch of the NH has been in bad shape for a long time, has caused inconvenience and is accident-prone.
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Setting a wrong precedent
AYRES SEQUEIRA, SALVADOR DO MUNDO
The landfill in this picture is in mute testimony of the shape of things that we may have to contend with, in future, in the picturesque village of Salvador do Mundo. The intention of the field owner is not known, but it will soon set a trend among other villagers too. It is obvious, having finished with the cities, now the developers are moving towards the villages to create a mess of our time.
Underground cabling
JOSE MARIA MIRANDA, MARGAO
Underground electric cabling is indeed a good project that needs to be commended and supported. Inconvenience to people, while the work is being carried out, cannot be totally avoided.
However, Larsen & Toubro, the company entrusted with the work, needs to undertake it without endangering people’s lives. It is observed that trenches and pits are dug and left unattended for several days, and are sometimes partially visible at night. When these are covered, they are not watered and leave a depression, which is dangerous for vehicles.
Further, the roads which were recently hotmixed are being dug for the purpose and labourers are unaware that sewage, water and telephone lines run in close proximity to the cables or sometimes at the same spot. In short, work carried out by government departments is devoid of any planning, coordination, and supervision.
With such a haphazard way undertaking work, even good projects and schemes turn out to be ineffective and is a waste of public money, with benefits accruing only to those who want to make a quick buck.
Repair road in Utorda
DIOGO FURTADO, UTORDA
The road in Utorda from Libio’s house to the Majorda railway crossing is in a very bad shape. Road accidents take place on a daily basis. The Verna police station has all the details of the accidents that have occurred.
The road was marked by potholes showing coconut saplings planted on this road, some time ago, by the supporters of the MLA to victimise the PWD Minister.
Huge buildings have come up on this road, on both sides. Contractors will sell the flats and go. But the villagers of Utorda will have to face the bad roads.
The Benaulim MLA should put forward the estimates for repair of the road, so that the work can be completed before Easter.
(Do you have a complaint against some authority or service? Are there any violations of the law that you would like to bring to the notice of the public? Do you have any suggestions for improvement and/or redressal of services?
If you do, then write to us at [email protected]. With the aim of improving the quality of our civic life, every Monday Herald will publish the best letters on these subjects received during the week. This is in addition to our regular ‘Letters to the Editor’ column.)
