'Government gave us bad quality roads' (ToI)

'Government gave us bad quality roads' TNN | Aug 12, 2013, 12.59 AM IST MAPUSA: Pothole-marred major roads in Bardez and Pernemtaluka are a nightmare and are fast becoming death traps for the commuters. The roads are in a pathetic condition and the motorists and commuters have lamented that in spite of paying fees and taxes to the government, they are forced to suffer with the problem. The national highway 17 is severely damaged from Mapusa Tar to Porvorim. The most damaged stretches are at the Porvorim police station bus stop and at Vhodakode bus stop. The highway at these stretches has been literally washed off. Locals have alleged that bad road conditions are causing many accidents in this stretch. The roads have been severely damaged suggesting that tar of inferior quality was used by the road contractors, allege motorists. Though the authorities are passing the buck saying that it is because of the heavy rainfall this season, the excuse has not been accepted by many. "It is ridiculous to say that the roads are damaged because of the heavy rains, then all the roads in Goa should have been damaged. Why only have a few stretches deteriorated? It means that it was of poor quality," said transport businessman Kamlesh Naik. The MDR 18 (Keri to Chopdem), which is the most important road for Pernem and Bardez commuters, is in a very bad state. A portion of this road at Agarwada and Mandrem are in very poor conditions. The road which further connects to Mapusa is also in a very bad state at Siolim. Recently, four accidents were reported near the Siolim bridge injuring 10 persons and badly damaging six vehicles. This stretch (MDR 18, Keri to Chopdem) of the road is in a very bad shape and has not been repaired or hotmixed since it was built in 2003-2004. Locals have demanded urgent repairs to the road. The Pernem-Keri road which is used by many office goers is in complete shambles. "There is not a single stretch without a pothole on this road. Human life is in danger," said daily commuter Siddhesh Palyekar. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Government-gave-us-bad-quality-roads/articleshow/21768006.cms