It has been a while since part of the Varca-Margao road at Pulvaddo was widened as part of a beautification project in Benaulim Village.
The existing electricity poles now stand in the middle of the extended portion, which were supposed to be shifted by December 2019 have not been relocated due to friction between the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (GSIDC) and Electricity Department (so much for inter-departmental coordination) over the issue of expenses.
There are no fluorescent markers on the poles and it is quite hazardous to drive down this stretch at night especially during power cuts. The other cogent issue is that this widened stretch is encroached by the vendors and hawkers selling clothes, flowerpots, footwear, plastic items and grocery items. At times, this stretch is also used as a parking lot by the goods vehicles supplying merchandise to the neighbouring mall.
Of what use is this “beautification drive” if the general public is inconvenienced, may I ask? Another sterling example of the politicians flushing honest taxpayers’ money down the drain.
