MAPUSA: Mapusa market, which is a hub of activity for the entire Bardez and other surrounding areas, is once again facing the brunt of the rains. Contrary to claims made by officials in the municipality that desilting and clearing of drains have been carried out in Mapusa the ground reality is that Mapusa market is still witnessing flooding.
The incomplete hydrant work has worsened the woes with water seeping in through the dug trenches and the loose mud giving way at various places risking the lives of people moving around in the market. This has only exposed the callous attitude of the PWD that took up the work of fixing hydrants in the market but left it in complete.
Potholed roads in the market are seen causing water logging and the whole market has turned into a mess. No councillors seem to have ever taken the issue of setting the market right before the monsoons and the local MLA, Mr Francis D’Souza also has blamed the councillors for completely neglecting the market. In the absence of waste bins throughout the market, waste is seen openly dumped.
The KTC bus stand as usual is also seen flooding and an open sewage flowing beside the bus stand could be a health hazard. This is also applicable to another open sewage drain that is seen flowing right in the market.
The Shiv Sena led by Mr Phillip D’Souza has about a month back brought this to the notice of the Mapusa municipality and had even expressed fears that if the situation is not attended all the sewage and toilet waste would come onto the road and this could give rise to an epidemic in Mapusa market. Strangely the case was not attended and today one can witness all the toilet sewage coming onto the road and not only giving out a bad smell but even causing inconvenience to people moving around in the market.
Taking serious view that his earlier complaint was not attended Mr Phillip D’Souza again on Wednesday approached the Mapusa municipality and the Mapusa urban health officer, Dr Pratima Thali and apprised them of the situation. Mr D’Souza felt that this was an epidemic in waiting if the situation was not promptly attended. Both Dr Thali and municipal engineer, Mr Vishnu Naik visited the scene and assured to take prompt action. Dr Thali also said that she would be writing to the municipality to immediately attend to the sewage by repairing the toilet and the drain.
