A Portuguese-era bridge in Hivrem is in a dilapidated condition for the past many years and the locals have been demanding the Government build a new bridge. The bridge, which connects Hivrem Khudra to Hivrem Budra, Sattari, has been neglected by every government, say locals. Some parts of the bridge have already collapsed. The bridge, locally called ‘Rumalyacho bridge’, is located at Devus wada and is the entry and exit point for the two villages. The distance between Hivrem village and Valpoi Town is hardly 10 kms.
Around 3,000 villagers are residing in these villages. According to sources over 500 vehicles use this bridge every day. Locals complain that the bridge vibrates when heavy vehicles go over it. They have urged the government to take necessary safety measures before it collapses like the Sanvordem and Curchorem bridges.
“Our village bridge will collapse at any time; it needs urgent repairs. We are more afraid because school buses use this bridge,” says Saraswati Pirankar, a village woman.
“Before it collapses, the Government has to build a new bridge. We have passed the resolution in Gram Sabha recently regarding the new bridge and also sent the file to the concerned department. Some portion of the bridge has already collapsed,” says Satyawan Gaonkar, a panch member.
