TEAM HERALD
PORVORIM: The unique cable-stayed bridge at Aldona was a main attraction when it was constructed in 2004 and had even featured in a number of films and TV advertisements.
Less than nine years later, the picture is quite different and the gross neglect has had a telling effect, after three lamps got corroded and fell off from the electricity poles on the bridge, plunging the bridge into darkness.
It may be recalled that the bridge, built at a cost of Rs 24 crore, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, during his previous term as chief minister, on November 21, 2004. The bridge had become the focus of attention for several tourists and TV channels, besides featuring as the venue for a high-profile dinner party during the inaugural edition of the IFFI in the State.
Such was the demand for the Aldona Bridge that the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) issued a circular in December 2006, stipulating that film crews had to pay 3,000 for half day and Rs 6,000 per day for the use of the bridge.
“The PWD failed to maintain the bridge since the last nine years and the bridge lights would function erratically, much to the inconvenience of motorists and pedestrians. Eventually, the electricity poles got rusted and the lamps detached from the poles and fell off,” a source told Herald.
Incidentally, the declining condition of the cable-stayed bridge had been highlighted by residents on a number of occasions during Gram Sabhas of the village.
Mindful of the problem and inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians, the Aldona panchayat had written to PWD and Electricity department requesting both departments to ensure proper maintenance of the bridge. However, their efforts fell on deaf ears and the bridge began to show signs of neglect.
When contacted, Aldona Deputy Sarpanch Charudatta Panjiker confirmed that the three lamps had fallen off due to poor maintenance.
“The clamps of the lamps got loose and since there was no maintenance, the lamps fell off from the poles. The panchayat had even informed the chief minister about the poor maintenance of the bridge,” Panjiker told Herald.
When contacted, Electricity Department Assistant Engineer Joseph Fernandes claimed that the responsibility to maintain the bridge lights had been with the PWD and not the electricity department. “I had informed the PWD about replacement of the three lamps,” said Fernandes.
