There is utter chaos at the main Head Post Office at Panjim.
The token system machine and token display board are not functioning for the past several months. Moreover, there were three counters in service, which have been reduced to two counters in service, out of the several counters existing there.
At last the authorities have responded to the pleas of the residents of Fatorda, made through the columns of Herald for laying rumblers or rumble strips at three places on Pedro Ferrão Road.
Of course, Fatorda MLA and TCP Minister Vijai Sardessai and the local Councillor Lyndon must have used their good office and exerted necessary pressure on the authorities to undertake the task that would help not only school students, but also senior citizens, besides other pedestrians make the road crossing near the Rosary Church and School less riskier.
My observation of the last few days, following the laying of rumblers is that not all the drivers and riders of four and two-wheelers respectively are taking serious note of the existence of rumblers and continue to speed past them as usual and without caution.
Let’s hope with the passing of time it will dawn upon them the real purpose behind putting these rumblers on the road.
However, the general feeling of the public is that the rumblers have been made of a “softer” material, as compared to speed-breakers and subsequently do not cause much impact on the vehicles going over them.
For, not only do motorists reduce their speed, but sometimes even go faster, thus making the rumblers somewhat ineffective.
Besides, it is also noticed that the height of the rumblers, which is required to impact the slowing of vehicles has not being maintained and thus the very purpose of laying these rumblers is lost.
There are various raised regarding the quality of work and material used. It appears that the quality of work is quite bad as a portion of the rumbler at the junction near the St Francis Xavier’s Chapel has already partially given way the very next day, as can be seen from the photo.
The contractor needs to take note of this and it needs to be repaired at the earliest.
Finally, the drivers should realise that rumblers/ speed-breakers are cautionary signs installed for the safety of all the road users and taking serious note of their presence is important, so that accidents, collisions and mishaps can be avoided, which may cause grave consequences for lives and property.
Hope traffic sense prevails!
