MAPUSA
Amid criticism from a section of the public over ongoing civic issues in Mapusa, Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza has asserted that a comprehensive long-term development plan for the town is already underway and that its results will soon be visible to residents.
Speaking to reporters during an inspection of the ongoing road works in the town, D’Souza said that many people were unaware of the larger vision behind the infrastructure projects currently being executed.
“A lot of people don’t know what my plan is. But I want to assure the people that every development work we undertake is done with a long-term vision. We make sure the work is permanent and beneficial for the future,” D’Souza said.
The MLA said hotmixing works worth nearly Rs 15 crore are presently being carried out across various parts of Mapusa, including key market roads, the sub-yard area and the KTC bus stand.
One of the major works currently underway is the milling of roads in the Mapusa market area. D’Souza explained that repeated layers of hotmix over the years had significantly raised the road levels, causing drainage and surface issues.
“The milling process is necessary to bring the roads back to their original level before fresh hotmixing is done. This will ensure better road quality and proper water flow,” he said.
He further stated that once the roads are restored to proper levels, the authorities plan to introduce an organised pay-parking system in the town to improve traffic management and parking discipline.
The MLA also revealed that the Mapusa Municipal Council is working on a proposal to install CCTV cameras across the town to strengthen surveillance, improve public safety and streamline traffic monitoring.
D’Souza said the road works had initially faced delays due to the global rise in bitumen prices triggered by the US-Iran conflict, which affected the supply and cost of raw materials.
The roads in the Mapusa market sub-yard, which had been in a deplorable condition for several years, are also being upgraded. In a significant shift from previous repair methods, the roads are being hotmixed for the first time.
Additionally, hotmixing works at the Mapusa KTC Bus Stand are also expected to begin shortly. The roads within the bus stand premises had deteriorated badly, with large potholes causing severe inconvenience to motorists and commuters, especially during last year’s monsoon season.
Residents and daily commuters have welcomed the commencement of the works, though many have urged authorities to ensure timely completion and maintain quality standards to avoid recurring road damage in the future.
