MARGAO: Anguished by the spate of road accidents in Benaulim, the villagers took matters into their own hands and began painting speed breakers as the government authorities failed to carry out the task.
On January 26, a group of locals chipped in to purchase white paint, and began painting speed breakers in a checkered pattern, to alert oncoming motorists.
Speaking to reporters, the villagers accused the authorities of not showing any interest in painting the hard-to-detect speed breakers, resulting in several accidents, especially during nighttime. They called on the Benaulim MLA to address the issue.
For instance, the paint on the speed breakers near Patrocin Chapel at Benaulim has been wiped out completely.
“Due to the unpainted speed breakers in Benaulim, commuters are facing lots of hardships. We have witnessed several accidents, wherein the motorists have injured themselves, or damaged their vehicles, or both,” said Santan Pereira, who is part of the group. He added that a fatal accident was also reported, due to a speed breaker that was not visible.
“It is shocking that in so many places in Goa, speed breakers are not being painted. We decided to do it ourselves, so the authorities concerned will take notice,” said Pereira.
The group said that it is a shame if the government does not have the funds or the inclination to carry out such essential works, and it looks like the authorities have no concern for the safety of the people.
Another youth from the locality said that just building roads is not enough, but safe, user-friendly roads are the need of the hour.
“Badly-designed and maintained roads are one of the main reasons for accidents in Goa. Painted speed breakers are as important as helmets, to motorcycle riders,” he added.
