Mangaluru: Once a good looking road after it was laid with interlock bricks couple of years ago is once again in shambles-thanks to the contractors associated with the Corporator of the ward and other officials of Mangaluru City Corporation for constantly digging up the Arya Samaj Road for various reasons-only if proper planning was undertaken, all this mess would not have occurred over and over again. But what do they have to care? After all its tax-payers money that is wasted again and again on this road.
One should very well know that whichever road work that Mangalore City Corporation takes up is either incomplete or the work has to be re-done. They construct brand new roads without footpaths, and later when complaints pour in to build footpaths/drainage, the brand new roads are damaged and left in pathetic condition causing hassles for motorists. Just look at the present condition of Arya Samaj Road- just few months back the whole stretch of this road was dug on the sides to construct foot-path, and few weeks later the same road has been dug at various places to construct drainage.
A resident of Arya Samaj Road, Sunil RJ Gonsalves- a Chartered Accountant by profession who was upset at the present condition of ASR had emailed this statement to mangalorean.com stating, “After spending lakhs on Interlocking the road, and also constructing new foot-path at Arya Samaj Road, now works are being undertaken to develop the drainage. For this the interlock bricks have been dug up and concrete slabs are being procured. Any idea what is the cost of granite and whether the contractor has paid the cost of the old granite slabs. Due to this work the interlock bricks are already damaged. Are these going to be fixed ? Only time will tell’
‘Everyone needs to make hay while the sun shines. First it was digging to lay the interlock road due to which the road was closed for nearly a year. Then it was to make a foot-path-the debris is still lying uncleared even though the footpath is completed. Now it’s digging for laying drainage lines. Even though the work appears to be completed , the road is yet to be restored, and it appears that we will have a slushy monsoon this year. Hope the next round of digging will not commence soon as there is some news that the road will be concretized soon” added Gonsalves.
Yet another resident of ASR, who wanted to remain anonymous, speaking to Mangalorean.com said, ” I think the corporator of this ward, MCC officials and the contractors are minting money by taking up unnecessary construction work on this road every now and then. Why can’t they plan proper and fix the issues at first attempt. This is like eating our hard earned money, by taking up road repair work every other month. I wish the residents of this road raise their voices and stop all these nonsense. Looking at the pathetic condition of ASR I feel ashamed to walk or drive.”
If you drive or ride on this road you will notice how the tax payers money has been poured down the drain on restructuring this road. Already at many places the interlocks have gone down or come out leaving pot holes-indeed a poor work done by the contractor! Now that a new contractor has taken up the drainage/footpath on this road, its a mess all over, and motorists are finding a hard time to navigate. Traffic congestion is seen all the time, since debris/mud/stones have been spread out along the side of the road, taking most of the road space.
Due to heavy machinery used for this digging work, at many spots the interlocks have sunk down or completely broken. Sand, jelly stones and other materials have been stored on the side of this road, taking almost half the road space which has resulted in traffic jam during peak hours. But does anyone care, including MCC officials- absolutely no one! Which means that people must grit their teeth for a little while longer before Arya Samaj Road is repaired. Too sad to look at the pathetic condition of this road which was once wore a brand new look few months ago. Hard earned money of the tax payers wasted big time by our elected officials.
When there is a pit dug right in the middle of a road, life gets a little difficult for commuters. But what if the pit is not filled properly after the work is completed? At such times, it will be hazardous for the motorists. The problem is that no one seems interested in flattening the road. With all the debris left behind and also that the dug up places are not restored properly, it seems quite dangerous for motorists and pedestrians to commute on Arya Samaj Road..
We all know that Mangalureans are quite reluctant in lodging complaints-that’s a reason we have so many civic problems that are not rectified, until it leads to a serious issue, like a serious injury or death. Wake up folks, complain to the concerned authorities if you notice something hazardous to human life. If Sunil Gonsalves can do it, you too can? Let’s all join hands and to make Mangaluru a safer place to move around and live safely. Only our constant complaints and pressure on our elected Netas/officials can solve the problems. If we keep quite, we are putting our own lives in danger moving around in the flunked “Smart City”?
Repair of existing roads, expansion of new roads and maintenance of all roads is a constant need. Whether it is India or the United States – whether it is China or Canada – our utility services, sewage services, telephone lines, gas lines, water lines and the constant repair of pot holes require timely action. In a country such as India the usage of all areas will continue to rise because the demand is rising by the day. We have to have patience in each and every step that our City or Municipality takes in modifying all the above facilities in pursuit of expanding and improving the existing infrastructure. Our only grievance in India is that pot holes remain unattended, and our constant repair necessities are postponed day by day. In the meantime there is no presence of anyone doing anything that is needed to be done promptly and instantaneously. The authorities have to provide timely barriers and signs showing the repair work going on, and during peak hours the Government should provide additional manpower to guide the ever increasing traffic. Please therefore wake up and give the very best to the people that elect you and place confidence in you. This is the best way to help others while we help our own power of authority. Thank you.
Mr Alfie and Mr Sunil Gonsalves,you know who your Corporator is. That should tell the result of Progress. Look at the Foot Path in front of Rose Cote near Bendoor well Circle. I got it repaired once thru Miss Hepsibha,Ex Commissioner and dug again and left in shamble. Look at the Drain in front of City Hospital between M S Pai and Diners Paradise. That will tell how good your Corporator works.
On Arya Samaj road there are so many multi story buildings. Builders will not utter a word because if they did they will suffer in their next building Permit. Check the bottom of the drain and you will see Water Pipes,Drain Pipes,Power and Communication Cables crossing like Spider web. If you people have problem now with digging ,please wait till rain starts. All the floating trash will come and wrap around the Pipes and Cables thus water flow will stop. Then they will start digging again to open up the clog.
Look at the back side of MCC Building which will tell the real SAD STORY. Look at the Interlock work in front of MCC Building at ground level. That will tell you,how good will be interlock work on Arya Samaj Road. Keep in mind,this urgent development without a plan is just to get hand on Smart City Money. ADB Loan is available which will be paid by Public. After deducting Black Money to Elected and Public Officials,and some money to Big Banners with special connection rest is for contractor to use as you please. ADB Loan is still not paid by KUDCEMP of Sewer Drain Project.
In the name of water,money is robbed from years. Now Sun is Visible to Elected Officials. Now they will rob in name of Solar Power. Mr.Sunil,first find out who the Consultants are for Smart City Project,then you will come to know what result you will get.
Thank (imaginary) God that BJP is not the ruling party!! Otherwise, this would have turned into another RSS-bashing!! smiles…