MAPUSA: Though ‘The Navhind Times’ had recently highlighted a dilapidated fuse box in the Mapusa market, which was immediately replaced by the electricity department, it appears that the department has not taken the issue seriously and waits for dilapidated fuse boxes to be highlighted in the media, before repairing them or replacing the ones that have deteriorated completely.

Presently, there are at least three such fuse boxes, that are either dilapidated, half open and tied with strings and wire, corroded or covers hanging open and which are posing a threat to life and property. Though many transformer centres in the market are now guarded and kept safe, such dilapidated fuse boxes are not guarded, which can pose danger to human and animal life, if somehow they come in contact with the live wires that are exposed.

Many a times there is garbage thrown near these boxes and stray animals attracted to this garbage could cause a serious accident. Also street urchins often rummage through the garbage, looking for recyclable items. The ongoing rainy season also can give rise to cases of electrocution. Vendors sitting haphazardly near such risky boxes are also not discouraged from doing so by the municipal inspectors. In such a situation there are high chances of a serious accident being caused.

A group of social activists led by Mr Phillip D’Souza, on Monday called on the assistant engineer (urban) Mr Chacko, and apprised him about the situation. According to Mr D’Souza, Mr Chacko assured them that all these boxes would be immediately attended to.