Growing frustration among residents of Ponda has come to the fore as concerns mount over the deteriorating condition of the 40-year-old Borim Bridge and the lack of adequate healthcare facilities at the Ponda Sub-District Hospital and Shiroda Primary Health Centre (PHC).
These issues have surfaced prominently during public interactions and Janata Darbar programmes organised by opposition parties, as citizens seek any platform to get their voices heard.
The safety of the aging Borim Bridge has also become a pressing concern, especially after recent collapses of similarly-aged bridges in Karwar and Gujarat.
Vijesh Naik, a daily commuter, said he dreads crossing the bridge due to its poor condition and urged the government to build a parallel structure immediately. “If this bridge collapses, it will cripple traffic between North and South Goa, impacting thousands who travel daily for work and livelihood, as well as interstate traffic from Belgaum and Karwar,” he said.
Residents have also raised awareness on social media, calling for an alternative bridge and a clear repair and maintenance policy for the existing structure. “The government must act before it’s too late,” Naik added.
Bethora resident Hemant Samant highlighted that both healthcare facilities lack basic diagnostic and treatment services. “Ponda Sub-District Hospital has the highest number of patient referrals to GMC, even more than the South Goa District Hospital. Shiroda PHC is no better,” he said, citing the absence of CT scan machines and dialysis services as glaring gaps. “Without proper infrastructure, what can doctors do? Patients are forced to depend on GMC,” he added.
Opposition leader Yuri Alemao too has criticised the government for failing to upgrade these facilities despite repeated demands, leaving residents to endure hardships.