Alfred Fernandes

[email protected]

SANGUEM: The bad condition of the roads in Sanguem municipal areas has left the locals fuming and complaining that they are an open invitation for accidents. 

The residents have accused the PWD authorities of failing to get the roads repaired despite several requests.

The roads from State Bank to Dando junction and the one leading to onwards to Orcotto ward of Sanguem Municipality are in bad shape as several accidents have occurred in these areas particularly at the sharp turn at Orcotto, complained Apolonario Gomes, a resident.

Gomes said despite the government authorities aware of the bad condition of the road, no efforts have been made to repair the same, which was dug by the contractor engaged by the Electricity Department to lay underground cables a few months ago.

In the last fortnight, two accidents have taken place at the sharp turn at Orcotto involving two two-wheelers and a mini bus. An accident reported earlier this week, a youth from Sanguem escaped from the jaws of the death after a mini bus hit his scooter. In another accident reported in the last week of August, a resident from Tarimol, Sanguem sustained multiple injuries.

Gomes said after the road was dug by the electricity department, neither the contractor or the PWD Department took steps to getting the road repaired thereby putting the lives of the villagers at risk.

Moreover, the situation has further worsened on account of non-functioning of streetlights in the area, Gomes complained. Especially at night, motorists fail to notice the bad bumps on the road.

The road is also frequented by stray cattle squatting along the stretch and this makes it difficult for the motorists to notice these stray animals especially at night, Gomes complained.

Another local Kevin Mascarenhas informed that trailers and other heavy vehicles ply along the road from Dando to Selaulim Dam via Orcotto while proceeding to Sanguem Industrial Estate and the prevailing situation has put the lives of two- wheeler riders at risk.