The closure of essential public services often has a deep impact on local communities, par ticularly when such insti tutions have served resi dents for generations. The decades-old Aquem Post Office has been perma nently closed and merged with the Margao Head Post Office (HPO) with effect from January 1 triggering concern and dissatisfaction among residents of Aquem and nearby areas, especial ly senior citizens who de pended on its services.
A notice displayed at the Aquem Post Office premises es informed the public that all postal services would henceforth be available at the Margao Head Post Of fice. Officials from the postal department stated that the decision was taken on administrative grounds. They also clarified that staff members from the Aquem Post Office have been rede ployed to the Margao HPO as part of the merger
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Despite these assuranc , residents fear that the closure will result in incon-venience and delays. Many pointed out that the Margao Head Post Office already ex periences heavy footfall on a
daily basis, with long queues and extended waiting times. With the additional work load following the merger, residents worry that ser vices such as mail handling, savings schemes, pension disbursements, and other postal transactions may be further delayed.
Speaking to reporters, local resident Cedric Costa described the Aquem Post Office as one of the oldest postal institutions in the area, which had played a crucial role in the lives of the local population for decades.
“This post office has helped residents to a great extent. Many senior citizens regularly visit the post of fice to avail themselves of various schemes and ser vices, Costa said.
He added that during his interaction with postal offi-cials prior to the closure, he witnessed long queues and was informed about staff shortages and declining footfalls at Aquem office.
“The permanent closure of the post office here will cer
tainly result in hardships for residents and senior citizens. They will now be forced to travel to Margao and stand in longer queues,” he stated.
Costa further stressed that elderly citizens, people with mobility issues, and daily wage earners would be the most affected by the decision. According to him, the convenience of having a neighbourhood post of fice has been overlooked in favour of administrative efficiency.
He also expressed con-cern that senior citizens who depend on postal
savings schemes and pen-sion-related services would face additional difficulties.
Announcing his next course of action, Costa said he would take up the mat-ter at the highest level with the concerned authorities, seeking either a reconsid-eration of the closure or the introduction of alternative. arrangements, such as a sub-post office or extended out-reach services for the area
Residents have urged the postal department to review the impact of the closure and ensure that the Margao Head Post Office is adequate-ly staffed and equipped to handle the increased work load. They also appealed for measures to minimise inconvenience and ensure that essential postal services remain accessible, efficient, and citizen-friendly
