I’ve written before to make Dona Paula residents aware about the issues pertaining to the collapse of two compound walls — one of National Institute of Oceanography Colony and another at the Bay View Colony. In both cases, the collapse was due to illegalities noticed in recent work/construction close by having no valid approvals.
The NIO Colony compound wall collapsed due to unplanned design work by the Taleigao Panchayat as an opening at the base of the wall for outflow of water was closed due to construction of a footpath by Taleigao Panchayat in order to benefit the illegal tourism project for a bus stand mainly for tourists. Obviously, the heavy rains made the water accumulate inside the NIO Colony compound wall, which gave way and collapsed.
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Now repairs have been undertaken by the NIO Institute but unfortunately the billboards and advertising boards are still intact on the new footpath.
These need to be removed as they distract vehicular drivers coming upwards as they do suddenly after the turn. The footpath made by Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (GSIDC) is creating a traffic hazard as it obstructs traffic on the way to turn towards or from Bambolim and needs to be removed.
A footpath for walking would make more sense on the other side of the road as this side it would end right in the middle of the junction forcing people to cross over at the very worst point for traffic as both roads are sloping and vehicles have to make a u-turn on the slope if they are coming or going to the Bambolim side.
Residents have also suggested a visual mirror should be fixed at this junction for the drivers to have visibility and thus to negotiate this sharp turn which goes to Apna Bazaar, the NIO Guest House, Our Lady of the Rosary High School as well at the White House Colony. This is a sorry state of affairs in Dona Paula where, due to traffic congestion, many accidents have already taken place.
Despite a meeting held among concerned authorities like Corporation of The City of Panaji (CCP) Commissioner, Traffic Cell Superintendent, PWD officer and invitees, a well-known contractor and myself, discussions were futile with no progress at all, and things are back to square one.
Another issue also at Dona Paula is near Aivao Village. There is garbage dump nearby which was unfortunately damaged when a government VIP vehicle while going to Dona Paula rammed into this garbage structure.
Three young boys who had been playing football nearby on a private ground and were going home around 6 pm were also banged by the vehicle. One was seriously injured and others suffered minor fractures. This VIP car, a Volkswagen sedan, was totally damaged. The fire brigade and police did a quick job of removal after cutting the parts of vehicle stuck on the tree and the garbage structure collapsed. This incident took place a month back and the municipal authorities are yet to get it repaired.
In the meantime, all residents of Dona Paula are witnessing large animal population such as dogs, cats, pigs and crows visiting this garbage site and messing up on the roads.
To add to our woes, there was a positive COVID case just opposite the Domino’s Pizza Centre. Aivao Villagers are afraid to go out for essential commodities shopping due to some bad elements who are working near the garbage dump at a sewage storage tank.
The residents suspect that these migrant workers could be the cause of spreading this virus and they have warned some of these workers who were earlier residing in Aivao Village not to come to stay in their village.
