MARGAO: Irked Canacona locals on Thursday gheraoed officials of the Public Works Department, National Highway at Fatorda over the pathetic condition of roads and warned of blocking the National Highway 66, if the repair works are not commenced by March 1.
Locals led by Congress leader Janardhan Bhandari and Goa Forward Party leader Prashant Naik along with other local leaders marched into the cabin of Executive Engineer National Highway Datta Prasad Kamat and took him to the task for ignoring the pathetic condition of the roads, despite submitting several memorandums.
It has been revealed that the authorities have issued the work orders to the concerned contractor long back. However, the contractor failed to commence the work, resulting in hardship to the motorists and public of Canacona.
At the time of argument between the locals and Executive Engineer, it was further revealed that a work order was issued in the year 2020 for the hot-mixing of roads leading from Canacona to Pollem.
Later, the EE said that the concerned contractor has assured to start the work within the next 10 days.
Prashant highlighted the pathetic condition of the roads in Canacona.
“We have witnessed repeated accidents due to the potholes all over the road. This has become a regular feature on the road from Canacona to Pollem," he said.
He further warned that the people will block National Highway 66 in Canacona, if the work doesn’t commence by March 1.
“The condition of the new bypass bridge which is named after former chief minister late Manohar Parrikar is also in bad shape. It has become a 'Maha' danger road. The Authority should either commence the repair and hot-mixing work or close it for the commuters,” said Janardhan.
Kamat, who initially refused to speak to the media persons, later informed that the work orders have been issued to all the works pertaining to resurfacing of the roads in Canacona.
He further said that his office is receiving number of representations and calls from the locals.
“I have also brought this to the notice of the higher ups,” he stated.