Citizens visiting the Osia Commercial Complex in Margao, including several senior citizens, were put through considerable hardship on Monday as both lifts in the building were non-functional.
The malfunction was reportedly triggered by rainwater seeping into the lift shaft after one of the side glass panels was damaged.
The incident led to chaotic scenes, particularly affecting the elderly and those with mobility issues. The concerned owner has begun repair work. However, there is growing concern over the recurring nature of the issue and the lack of long-term solutions.
Retired Superintendent of Police Tony Fernandes, 73, was among those who faced difficulties. He had come to the complex for personal work but was forced to climb several flights of stairs due to the non-operational lifts.
“It’s extremely disappointing. At my age, using the stairs is not easy. I hope at least the lifts in the Assembly complex are working. Though this is a private complex, the government must intervene as several government offices operate here, and the public suffers,” Fernandes said.
Moreno Rebelo, former Zilla Panchayat member, also voiced his frustration after facing a similar ordeal. He criticized the authorities for their continued inaction, saying,
“This clearly reflects a total breakdown in government oversight and functioning. Such problems have been highlighted several times, yet no permanent solutions have been implemented.”
Over the past few years, complaints about the lifts at Osia complex have been repeatedly raised by citizens and media alike. The issue is particularly concerning since the complex houses multiple government offices, including those related to important civic services.
Despite repeated assurances and occasional maintenance efforts, the lifts continue to break down frequently. Neither have the government offices been shifted to more citizen-friendly premises nor have proper facilities like ramps or alternate lifts been installed.
This ongoing neglect continues to inconvenience the public, especially the elderly, the disabled, and those visiting for official work.
Critics argue that allowing government offices to function in a privately owned commercial complex without ensuring minimum public facilities only adds to the systemic failure. With monsoon rains likely to continue, concerns are growing about further damage unless immediate, lasting repairs are carried out.