TEAM HERALD
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CALANGUTE: The recently constructed storm-water drain opposite the Boa Viagem Chapel at Calangute serves little purpose and on the contrary, is now posing a health hazard to locals due to a lapse of judgment by PWD workers.
Water from the storm-water drain has been blocked by the aerial roots of a pipal tree and the stagnant water has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
The PWD had recently constructed the storm-water drain along with a retaining wall in anticipation of road-widening work in the area.
“The storm-water drain has been constructed after cutting through the huge pipal tree. However workers have left the aerial roots at the exit point and the roots have blocked access for the water to flow ahead. The stagnant water will lead to breeding to mosquitoes. Authorities concerned should have taken note of this at the time of construction,” complained a resident.
Another villager from the locality remarked that the water would earlier flow through the cross drain.
“But with the construction of storm-water drain and the retaining walls, both the sides have blocked the water flow,” said the villager.
When contacted, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo confirmed that the storm-water drain along with the retaining wall was constructed by PWD. “I don’t think the storm-water drain was not serving the purpose. However I will ask the junior engineer to check the drain and ask them to look into the problem regarding the stagnant water. I will inspect the site and get the matter sorted out,” said Lobo.
