Pothole-ridden Curchorem roads becoming death trap for users

Margao: Five months after a 14-year-old boy’s tragic death at Marutigad put the spotlight on hazardous road conditions across Curchorem, the situation has deteriorated further, with the monsoon turning the town’s pothole-ridden streets into death traps for commuters.The Sanguem-Curchorem road witnessed more accidents as crater-sized potholes turned into death pits during heavy downpours. The latest incident saw two bikers collide after one swerved to avoid a large pothole, leaving one rider grievously injured. Police said the accident occurred due to the poor road conditions.The situation isn’t restricted to the Sanguem-Curchorem stretch alone but extends to other roads as well.

Roads at Ghanemorod, Xeldem, are equally bad, with sewerage works that continued well into the monsoon season leaving narrow roads unrestored and dangerous.Earlier this week, a coal-laden truck turned turtle at Hodor, Curchorem, after a portion of the road sank around a poorly constructed manhole for sewerage work. The ongoing sewerage network project, which dragged on for over three years, continues to wreak havoc on Curchorem’s road infrastructure.

Construction material scattered along roadsides, inadequate barricading around unrestored road stretches, and the absence of reflective warning signs are an invitation for a disaster.“The situation has become unbearable. Every journey is a gamble with life,” said a local resident.The municipality’s failure in completing essential pre-monsoon works resulted in waterlogging, compounding the misery for road users.

Several road stretches got submerged within minutes of a moderate shower. The potholes beneath the stagnant water have become death traps, catching unsuspecting motorists off guard.The deteriorating conditions have raised grave concerns for school-going children who navigate these stretches daily. Parents fear a repeat of Jan’s tragedy, with many now reluctant to allow their children to cycle to school on these roads.Residents have now issued an ultimatum to the authorities, threatening to launch an agitation if immediate repairs are not undertaken.