MARGAO: Residents of Mungul in Fatorda have expressed grave concern over the manner in which the Western Bypass construction work is taking place.
In addition to their past concerns over the under-construction work causing flooding, the residents have now questioned the safety measures adopted during the ongoing works.
Cruz Fernandes, a local, raised issues regarding the quality of workmanship and the blatant disregard for safety protocols by the highway construction contractor. “This is the quality of workmanship done by the highway construction contractor. They are working with heavy loads on a telescopic crane and transporting humans in an extremely hazardous manner. No safety rules are being followed by the crane operator,” he stated.
Fernandes recounted an incident where he intervened and stopped an operation that involved workers standing on a suspended load while the crane was in operation. “I intervened and stopped the operation, lowered the crane and got the workers off the suspended load. There was no supervision, nor was the crane operator certified to drive the crane. If certified, this dangerous act would not have been performed,” he said.
The lack of safety measures was glaringly evident, with no personal protective equipment (PPE) or harnesses being worn by the workers, even when working at heights.
Fernandes expressed frustration over the contractors’ disregard for safety concerns raised by locals. “Whenever locals intervene and stop any misleading dangerous acts to health and safety, the contractor pulls out an order from the Supreme Court that the work cannot be stopped, and the police are called to the site. We are not aware if the unsafe operations are also covered in the Supreme Court order. Who will be responsible for any catastrophic accident,” he questioned.
It is to be noted that the High Court of Goa at Bombay had asked the contractor and PWD to ensure that this project is completed by September 2024. However, the concerns raised by the Mungul residents come on the backdrop of concerns of flooding raised by farmers from other villages such as Seraulim or Benaulim, where the bypass construction work is underway.
The residents have highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols and responsible oversight to prevent potential accidents and ensure the safety of workers and the surrounding community during the construction of this crucial infrastructure project.
