Team Herald

ALDONA: Aldona MLA Glenn Ticlo inspected the dilapidated metal bridge connecting Sinquerim-Mayem and Corjuem-Aldona on Thursday.

Earlier this week, the North Goa District Magistrate had ordered the closure of the metal bridge immediately for all types of vehicular traffic.

The metal bridge was ordered to be shut, as authorities found the bridge unsafe for commuters as it had developed holes on it, was slowly rusting. The bridge is an important link for the people of these two villages. The bridge is a short cut to get to Aldona from Mayem. It was repaired last year but the metal continued to rust and further deteriorate.

Despite the order commuters and locals were seen accessing the bridge, on Thursday.

Ticlo highlighted that a follow up is being done on the status of the proposed new bridge which would be constructed by Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC).

“The bridge is in a deliberate condition. I have informed the chief minister about the same and have moved a calling attention. The bridge is corroded and has huge holes. Bikes and people are still using it despite the bridge being announced closed. The PWD Minister has assured that the bridge should be closed completely and I have asked to close it completely within the next 24 hours,” Ticlo said.

Locals demand that the works of building a new bridge which has been sanctioned by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) should be carried out immediately.

The bridge was first constructed of wood in the late 90’s.

With the bridge being closed, the locals from Mayem will now have to travel and additional distance of 5 kms via Poira to get to Aldona.