PONDA: Residents of Curti Housing Board Colony, particularly senior citizens, have expressed their grievances regarding the poor condition of the roads, which have caused them significant distress over the past eight years. They are demanding immediate repairs, threatening to stage a roadblock if their concerns are not addressed. The residents highlighted that while the main highways and service roads have been properly tarred, their area has been neglected, leading to health issues such as back pain and neck problems during travel.
Prakash Sawant, chairman of the Housing Board Colony, noted that the internal road connecting JC Nagar to the Ponda-Panaji Highway serves as a shortcut for many commuters seeking to avoid the congested Ponda Market. This road was excavated for the installation of sewerage manholes but has not been resurfaced or repaired since, resulting in its current deteriorated state. The constant flow of traffic has exacerbated dust pollution, leading to health concerns for the residents.
Sawant mentioned that the area comprises approximately 114 flats and 20 bungalows, along with a school that accommodates 700 students, yet the Public Works Department (PWD) has not undertaken any road repairs. The PWD has cited pending sewerage network work as the reason for the delay. Sawant urged the government to at least conduct patchwork on the potholes to alleviate the difficulties faced by the residents.
Former Sarpanch Shailesh Shet has warned that if the road is not repaired within the next fifteen days, the residents will stage a roadblock to draw the authorities’ attention to their plight. Another local, Vinayak Naik, has called upon the Ponda MLA to intervene and provide relief to the community.