GARY AZAVEDO
CHINCHINIM: The terrible state of the potholed roads, especially on the national highway close to the under construction Western Bypass near the newly opened Furtado Fuel Centre, Navelim has irked the daily travellers. Some citizens have even threatened to move court seeking relief and justice in this matter. Other questioned the role of their elected representatives such as the Deputy Chief Minister Chandrakant ‘Babu’ Kavlekar who travels on that route daily.
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Former Chinchinim-Deussua sarpanch Constancio ‘Costy’ Fernandes said, “It’s an invitation for accidents due to lack of planning. Government can take time to settle such problems but not so much. They should use their machinery before any untoward incident occurs more severe than backbone pains.”
Dandeavaddo-Chinchinim resident Walter Gomes said, “Regarding the junction at ‘Be Happy Caterers’, Belem-Navelim, it is an accident-prone zone as motorists are confused due to lack of signages. The road is wretched with potholes and filled up by rains. Hope the highway authorities take a note of this and provide a proper junction so that the traffic flow becomes smooth.”
“It is a nightmare for people with back problems to drive that stretch. The contractor and the PWD official should be penalised. Even now they are doing some cosmetic patch up which is of no help. They placed some drums right in the middle which created a lot of problems at night. The diversion for one way is more confusing and dangerous,” said Chinchinim-based social activist Savio Lopes.
“Will our politicians take action only after somebody dies? Or will they act only if the media is proactive in highlighting such crucial aspects? The media, too, has their limitations. Moreover, the road works undertaken by the contractor does not even last for seven days. What type of repair works are these? Is it merely cosmetic like makeup applied to one’s face? Since they’re of temporary nature instead of being permanent! People should die??? The best example is that of the newly constructed Atal Setu bridge. So where’s the Josh? Has the Josh gone along with the ‘Hosh’???” questioned a Sarzora resident Felix Santan Gracias.
“The Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant-led BJP coalition government especially the PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar should either contribute their own funds or use the money from the government treasury towards essential works such as repairing such potholed roads instead of unwanted projects in the State of Goa,” said an eleven-year-old student Jesus D’Souza from Aldona.
