MARGAO: The recent onset of the monsoon season has brought to light concerns regarding the quality of newly hot-mixed roads in several parts of Goa. Residents and commuters have reported that many of these roads had begun to wash away with the first rains.
Citizens have alleged that the roads were constructed using substandard materials, which has led to their premature deterioration. The rapid erosion of these roads has left commuters upset, with damaged surfaces posing risks to both drivers and pedestrians.
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Notably, just at the beginning of the monsoon season, several roads across the State, including those in Salcete, were hot-mixed. Roads leading to the Margao KTC bus stand were recently upgraded with a new asphalt layer. However, many of these newly paved roads have already started to wash away. Speaking to O Heraldo, several residents blamed the authorities for the poor quality of roadwork and demanded immediate action.
“The government often announces large expenditures on development works, but whether these works last even for one monsoon season remains questionable,” said Savio Coutinho, a Margao resident. He highlighted that during the Prime Minister’s visit and the International Energy Week, infrastructure works worth Rs 120 crore were undertaken. Coutinho alleged that roads on the Prime Minister’s route and other delegates did not receive proper hot-mix carpeting, while roads that were already in good condition were unnecessarily resurfaced.
According to Coutinho, inquiries with the Public Works Department (PWD) revealed that these works were carried out without adhering to standard procedures. “Contractors were issued work orders on a ‘nomination basis’, and many of these works were executed poorly,” he said. He claimed that in several cases, a single coat of hot-mix was applied instead of the two coats mentioned in the estimates. Additionally, the contracts lacked a defect liability period or enforceable conditions for defaulting contractors.
Menino Fernandes from Raia also pointed out the premature degradation of the hot-mix road at Arlem, leading to major hardships for commuters. He noted that the lack of street lights and the presence of potholes on the washed-away roads have significantly increased the risk of accidents, particularly for two-wheeler riders.
