Incomplete Calangute-Baga drainage posing threat to motorists
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
CALANGUTE, NOV 29
The incomplete drainage at Calangute-Baga is posing a serious threat to motorists and pedestrians.
“The incomplete drainage which is left open is posing a serious threat to motorists and pedestrians, thus eating into our business,” complained the locals involved in business activity.
“The drainage construction, which was started in August 2010, is still open and incomplete, thus posing a threat to motorists and pedestrians. The number of vehicles falling in the open drains increase day-by-day, while the owners suffering either damages or have to pay for the removal of the vehicle,” added the locals.
“The situation worsens at night due to darkness on the roads leading to Baga. Though, the motorists avoid the drains during day, the open drains add to traffic congestion along the road, making it difficult to reach a destination in time,” they added.
Speaking to Herald, John Egipsy, businessmen in Calangute-Baga, said: “The drainage left incomplete and open is posing a serious threat to us, our customers and suppliers who at times are reluctant to make the deliveries in time due to traffic congestion.”
“Everyday the vehicles are seen falling in the open drains and the owners are forced to shell out on the removal of vehicles, but nobody seems interested in taking corrective measures,” added Egipsy.
Former Calangute sarpanch Joseph Sequeira criticised the PWD and the government for faulty planning and development of the Calangute village without taking the panchayat into confidence.
“Ill-planning by PWD is affecting the residents, tourists and tourism-related business of our villagers,” alleged Sequeira.
“However, whenever NOCs are sought from the PWD, the same are withheld for reasons unknown,” claimed Sequeira.
Citing an example, Sequeira said: “We have asked the PWD for NOCs to carry out cross-road drains near Inas Paul House, near the panchayat entrance road and Ximer (Candolim-Calangute), where water logging in noticed during monsoon, but till date we have not been given such an NOC.”
“The villagers and motorists are suffering, as the panchayat is not able to carry out the required works without PWD’s NOC,” stated the former sarpanch.
