Mapusa: Residents and commuters in Mapusa are facing a nightmare as large water-filled potholes have developed across the town due to continuous heavy rain and neglected road repairs.
Commuters are forced to swerve to avoid potholes, while pedestrians risk getting splashed as vehicles drive through the accumulated water. Areas affected include Ganeshpuri, Ansabhat, Vithalwadi, Mapusa market, Morod, Khorlim, and the road leading to Mapusa church via Alankar theatre. Roads in Cunchelim are also in poor condition and require urgent repair.
The Angod area is among the worst affected. Roads here were dug up for underground cabling, sewerage, and water pipeline work. Despite past repair efforts, including the use of jet machines, the roads continue to deteriorate.
Mahesh Shirodkar, a commuter, said potholes are creating difficulties, especially for two-wheelers. “In some places, repair work was done, but it gets washed away in a few days,” he said.
Another local resident said, “These potholes are not normal, they are mini swimming pools. Vehicles splash water on pedestrians. The municipality must urgently undertake repairs.”
Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) chairperson Priya Mishal said the Chief Minister had directed PWD and related departments to take up road repairs. “We have called a joint meeting with PWD and sewerage department to assess the status of repair works,” she said.