FRIDAY, MAY 03, 2024
Team Herald
PONDA: A section of the roof cover of the four-storey Ponda Market Complex was blown away by strong winds, prompting concerns about potential leakages during the upcoming monsoon season. Vendors and customers, mindful of last year's leak issues, are urging immediate repairs to prevent further inconvenience.
The Ponda Market Complex, often dubbed a ‘white elephant’, has been plagued by underuse, with many shops lying idle for over a decade. In recent years, it has gained notoriety for causing disruptions due to roof leaks, especially affecting fair price shops on the mezzanine floor. Vendors recall last year's hardships, with leaking roofs necessitating makeshift solutions like placing garbage bins to collect rainwater.
Last year, customers visiting to buy their month’s rations from the fair price shops were greatly inconvenienced, with water stagnating on the floor and entering shops, leaving essential groceries damp and prone to spoilage.
Now, with a roof sheet blown away, and the sky visible through the roof, there’s a direct risk of rainwater seepage into the complex, posing a significant inconvenience to businesses. The complex's unique design, featuring a sloping roof that bends at the centre, complicates repair efforts during the rainy season. Hence, traders assert the importance of immediate repairs during the dry season itself to avoid further disruptions during the monsoon.
