“The visit was particularly carried out to study the location following a Herald report that the lives of residents, and in particular, children, have been endangered in the absence of a footbridge across the river Galgibaga,” Executive Engineer Agnel Barros is learnt to have told the residents, who rushed to him after learning about his visit.
Barros along with two other local PWD engineers went around the ‘Vanibhandhara’, a spot between Galgibaga and Magdal and inspected the site for the possible footbridge or to explore other similar options.
Incidentally, it is learnt that CRZ authorities had earlier given an NOC to construct a footbridge at the same site (Vanibhandhara), on the request of the PWD.
However, locals present at the site then informed the visiting officials that the route, where boat services are presently being operated, is the most ideal spot for a footbridge.
PWD engineers went around to inspect the site, but hastened to add that highway authorities had already earmarked the area for the upcoming highway bridge, as part of four-lane national expressway being constructed shortly.
However, Barros is learnt to have told the people that he would put up a proposal to the highway authorities, to consider if a provision could be made for a footbridge below the expressway bridge.
However, PWD engineers however did not assure anything to the people and stated that they had only come on an official visit.
Many members of Maxem-Loliem Jagruth Nagrik Committee, a six-member committee appointed to pursue the issue, were present when the PWD engineers visited the site, sources told Herald.
Incidentally, news of the visit of the PWD officials spread quickly in the area and on the internet. Facebook was abuzz with mixed comments on the visit of the officials. While some denounced the visit as an election stunt, others opined that the visit should be seen in positive light.
“Hope this is a visit to fulfil the demand of the people of the area and to improve the hardship we face, else it might be the eye wash before the Zilla Panchayat elections,” wrote Baptist Rebello.
Abel Barretto added, “I can understand the doubt regarding the purpose of the visit, but if the people show solidarity, we can bring the government to its knees. What we should do is to go on putting pressure on them.”
