PANJIM: Despite concerns being raised over improper digging of roads in Panjim without safety measures in place, the haphazard work in Ribandar has prompted civic rights group to approach the North District Magistrate urging urgent intervention. The letter comes in the wake of a news report in Herald’s April 28th edition that put forth hardships faced by the residents of Ribandar in view of the ongoing work.
“As we prepare to observe the 5th Global Road Safety Week from May 6 to 12, we are concerned for the safety of the pedestrians, riders and drivers as the present condition of these roads in Ribandar pose a threat of accidents. You will agree that accidents if caused due to the present condition of the roads, will not only contribute to damage to the vehicles but also to loss of life and limb of not only the residents of Ribandar but other residents of the City of Panjim who may use this road,” GOACAN’s Roland Martins said in a letter to the District Collector R Menaka.
Martins further said that digging of roads without proper advance intimation to the local residents and without proper display of safety signage can be considered as ‘deficiency of service’ and also be treated as a violation of the consumers Right to Safety under the Consumer Protection Act 1986.
He referred to GOACAN’s previous letter on February 11 seeking intervention on the digging of roads within the jurisdiction of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) and to address the issues that pose a threat of road accidents especially for women, children and senior citizens. The consumer and civic rights forum had also requested to convene urgent meeting of the agencies concerned to draw up a permanent plan of action so that the haphazard digging of the roads without proper advance intimation to the local residents may not repeat itself in the future.
However, no action has been taken till date.
