Team Herald
PANJIM: Frustrated by the poor condition of roads in Mapusa, a group of local activists staged a protest near St Joseph Chapel in Khorlim on Saturday, drawing attention to the numerous potholes plaguing the area.
The protesters used a variety of symbolic items to emphasise the dangers posed by the pothole-ridden roads. Paper boats, fake currency notes, gravel, cement blocks, and cricket pads were left on the road to illustrate the daily challenges faced by commuters. Some activists even donned helmets as a stark reminder of the safety risks for two-wheeler riders navigating these treacherous roads. Slogans like "Abki baar, khadde me sarkar" (This time, the government will be in the ditch) echoed the sentiment of the demonstrators, who highlighted the frequent accidents and vehicle damage caused by the neglected infrastructure.
Mapusa resident Jitesh Kamat expressed the community's frustration, stating, "The roads across Goa are filled with potholes, but in Mapusa, the situation is particularly bad. These potholes have claimed the life of a youth and many people have broken their limbs in accidents. Motorists struggle daily, and despite the severity of the problem, the government does not seem to care."
Advocate Shashank Narvekar, a councillor of the Mapusa Municipal Council, echoed these concerns, noting that the road conditions in Mapusa have been deteriorating for seven to eight years. "The authorities have consistently failed to address the issue," he said. "Although Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has promised that the potholes will be filled by Ganesh Chaturthi, it seems unlikely."
Narvekar pointed out the toll these roads take on vehicles, adding, "These roads not only cause injuries but also damage our vehicles. The promises made by the Chief Minister and the local MLA remain unfulfilled.”