NT Reporter | Mapusa
Nearly six months after the Mapusa Municipal Council began repairing drains near the Buyre petrol pump, the work remains incomplete, leaving a section of the drain open and posing a danger to commuters. Several incidents have been reported, including vehicles falling into the uncovered stretch.
Local councillor Sudhir Kandolkar said it was an old, blocked rainwater drain, so repair work was taken up but left half-done.
“It has been more than one month that the remaining work has been sanctioned. I have been following up with the engineering section and also the chairperson over the work, so that it can be taken up at earliest as it is posing a danger,” he said.
Following sudden rains in May, waterlogging was observed in low-lying market areas, prompting the work on the old Portuguese-era underground drainage.
Vehicle movement from Pankar shop towards the old municipal building continues to be affected, with repeated incidents of vehicles falling into the open gap. Despite this, authorities have not taken up major steps to expedite the work.
“MMC has undertaken the work of repair of drains and has left them incomplete without putting any safety measures in place for pedestrians or vehicle movement,” said a daily commuter.
Another local said that “barricades which were installed as safety measure have collapsaed but nothing is being done. Even no safety tapes have been put up for the safety of the night-time commuters, who are not aware of the open gap.”
