Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jul 21: The tragic death of a 45-year-old woman in a road accident on the Parra-Mapusa stretch has once again exposed the crumbling condition of Goa’s roads during the monsoon. The mishap, reportedly triggered by a broken and bumpy road surface, has added to the growing number of such incidents across the state this rainy season.

Despite fewer heavy spells this year, roads in many parts of Goa continue to suffer – riddled with potholes, water-logged stretches, and dug-up sections left unrepaired after utility works. The absence of coordination between departments and delayed restoration of roads before the rains have left commuters vulnerable to accidents and vehicle damage.

“There is absolutely no planning or accountability. Roads are dug up in April and May with promises of repairs before monsoon, but nothing gets done,” lamented Rosterio D’Souza, a resident of Saligao.

In North Goa, major stretches like the Saligao roads, Siolim-Chopdem bypass, and NH-66 near Porvorim are in a dire state. In South Goa, roads in Navelim, Chandor-Curchorem, and routes leading to Sanguem and Quepem have worsened further following last week’s downpour.

Citizens like Reema Naik have taken to social media to voice their frustration. “Driving from Navelim to Margao is a nightmare. I burst a tyre after hitting a deep pothole near the sewage plant,” she posted.

The public outcry has forced opposition parties and civil groups to submit memoranda to the Public Works Department (PWD), demanding swift repairs. A senior PWD official admitted that delays in coordination with utility service agencies caused restoration work to miss deadlines.

“There were technical delays in restoring roads post-cable and pipeline works. Emergency patchwork is underway,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

However, activists say patchwork is not enough. “It’s not rocket science. If departments worked together, much of this could be avoided. Every year we protest just to get basic roads,” said activist Sanjay Barde.

As another monsoon progresses with roads in disrepair, Goans are left braving unsafe commutes, demanding a permanent fix to the pothole menace that continues to haunt the State year after year.