Although, the PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar had assured that potholes in the State would be filled up prior to the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, no favourable action was initiated in completing the said task satisfactorily.
In Ponda, we still notice potholes on the road at different locations such as Varkhandem, Khadpabandh, Upper Bazaar and its surroundings and also in the vicinity of Tisk.
Of course, there would be other areas at this jurisdiction as well lying in similar condition. With the existence of potholes followed by incessant rains these days, precious human lives have been confronted with greater risk and danger.
The Public Works Department (PWD-Road Division) had recently stated that repairing of potholes would get delayed due to the incessant rains. However, the officials at this important department should equally note that repairing work of roads is to be executed prior to the monsoons and not during the monsoons. At some spots in Ponda, concrete put up over the potholes has been washed away.
The citizens would be aware that the State government had assured to purchase jet patcher machines (which could be used even amidst heavy showers) so as to complete the said repairs prior to this major festival. Had these machines been put into practice at the appropriate time, the potholes would have been filled up at once thereby ending the hardships of innocent travellers proceeding along the concerned routes.
However, the government failed to procure the said machines thereby creating death traps for public at large. Under such circumstances, precious human lives have been denied the much needed safety on Goan roads. Recently, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant had stated that politicians are liable for getting exorbitant medical reimbursement as they undertake development in their respective constituencies.
However, negligence of the PWD Minister in carrying out the basic duties (such as assuring better infrastructure) cannot lead to development in any way. The Chief Minister should not remain a silent spectator to the inability of the PWD Minister in improving the deteriorated condition of roads in different parts of the State, but initiate suitable action against him for failing to perform his basic duty as promised by him. Let us hope that Goan roads that have remained neglected till date would receive prompt attention without any further delay. Of course, travellers need to receive safety and protection on a permanent basis. The PWD Minister needs to accept this challenge with greater responsibility and determination in the interest of innocent travellers.
