Team Herald
MARGAO: Residents of Benaulim have raised serious concerns regarding the ongoing road works on the Margao-Benaulim road near Khareband, citing inadequate planning and safety hazards.
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Locals gathered at the construction site to confront the contractor about the project’s drainage system, expressing frustration at its slow progress and apparent lack of foresight.
Santan Pereira, a local resident, highlighted several issues, including frequent accidents at the site and water accumulation, which he believes is causing major difficulties for commuters.
“The drainage system should have been planned properly,” Pereira stated. “There has been water accumulation here ever since the work began, and authorities must take the proper measures to address this. We don’t want more problems down the line.”
Pereira also voiced his disapproval of the materials being used for the project, particularly pavers. “We believe the work should be done with concrete, not pavers. We don’t want the problems that have been reported in Seraulim to happen here,” he added.
Dixon Vaz, Sarpanch of Cavelossim village panchayat, also weighed in, noting that pavers were not a viable solution.
“The work is being carried out without considering the existing conditions. If no proper planning is done, this area will flood,” Vaz warned as he called for the authorities to take into account the ground realities and local concerns, and urged them to incorporate residents’ suggestions into the planning process.
Additionally, locals pointed out that the deteriorating road conditions, coupled with a lack of street lighting, were contributing to regular accidents in the area. “The conditions of the road are pathetic, and there is no illumination, which only adds to the danger,” said one resident.
The residents have called on the National Highway Authorities to reconsider their approach and ensure that proper infrastructure, including an effective drainage system,
is put in place to prevent further problems.
