MARGAO: Upset with the authorities, citizens, of Arlem-Raia threatened to block the national highway if the Public Works Department (PWD) failed to stop the overflow of the sewage chambers and fill the potholes immediately as they have turn into death traps.
Speaking to O Heraldo, locals have charged the Public Works Department for not coming out with the safety measures despite assurances.
Presently, the large potholes at the site due to the overflowing of sewage chamber have resulted in hardships to motorists and residents.
It is pertinent to note that a huge pothole can be noticed on the road near the house of former MLA late Antonio Gaunkar. Several motorists were injured after falling into the potholes near the mouth of the sewage chamber. Overflowing sewage from the chamber has also caused major health issues to the residents.
Residents stated that a few days ago, officials of the PWD had visited the site and assured to remove the potholes, besides measures to stop the overflow of the sewage of which has almost reached the doorsteps of the houses located by the roadside.
“ This is a health hazard and the issue has to be resolved immediatly. The stink due to the overflowing chambers is unbearable,” said Rosario Colaso, a resident of Arlem.
He further charged that officials of the PWD had visited the site but failed to act till date resulting in more hardships to the locals and motorists.
“We have now decided to block the national highway here if the authorities fail to act immediately,” he warned.
Milagres Fernandes, another resident, said that potholes over here have caused several accidents, wherein many have already sustained injuries after they fell here.
“We are forced to rush to help every time someone or the other falls into the potholes here. It is a shame on the authorities have failed to keep up to their word,” said Fernandes and added that no one cares about the safety of the public.
