Team Herald
MARGAO: Frustrated by the lack of response from authorities, Curtorim residents, along with local representatives, have warned of protests if immediate action is not taken to repair the collapsed retaining wall that is endangering a critical access route.
On Wednesday, a delegation led by Moreno Rebello, along with Zilla Panchayat member Michelle Rebello and others, visited the Public Works Department (PWD) to demand urgent repairs.
The retaining wall, which connects the main road to the Curtorim village market and beyond, collapsed on the night of October 16, causing risks for both villagers and travellers.
According to local residents, the road in question is a vital lifeline for people from Curtorim, Macazana, Guridolim, and Chandor. It also provides primary access to a nearby temple.
Moreno Rebello pointed out that despite more than two weeks passing since the collapse, the authorities have failed to take any action, leaving the wall unrepaired and continuing to pose a danger to public safety.
The wall also serves as a bund to prevent water from accumulating in an adjacent lake, which is crucial for irrigation and supports the local agricultural community. As the water continues to accumulate in the lake, it threatens to disrupt the region’s paddy fields, he stated.
Rebello demanded that the authorities not only begin immediate repairs but also put in place a permanent solution to prevent similar incidents in the future.
He stated that PWD officials had assured them that repair work would commence on November 7, and they are hopeful that the work will start as promised.
In addition to the collapsed retaining wall, Zilla Panchayat member Michelle Rebello raised concerns about the damage to village roads caused by underground cabling work, which has led to several accidents. Despite repeated visits to the PWD office to request repairs, no action has been taken, and the road conditions continue to deteriorate.
"The collapsed wall is affecting both residents and commuters, and we have personally witnessed several injuries as a result," Michelle Rebello said.
The residents and local leaders have made it clear that if the authorities continue to ignore their concerns, they will be left with no choice but to take their protests to the streets.