Stany Bela
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, May 26: Damaged road with deep pits and potholes has made life difficult for residents and vehicles owners at Jeppinamogaru, ward no 54, connecting Angadimar to Kadekar Mallikarjuna temple, even as all complaints to authorities have fallen on deaf ears.
The road is in a pathetic condition as road users, particularly motorcycle riders, might land in one of the potholes. Young and old alike find it difficult to walk on the road, which is used by around 1000 families to reach the city. The road also connects national highway 66 near to Netravati Bridge, Taradolya and Tandollige.
Residents of Jeppinamogaru the worst hit
Praveen, a resident of Jeppinamogaru who has been using the road for years says, "The road was last tarred in 2012. The road is now completely damaged with new potholes appearing every alternative day. Residents and motorists are finding it difficult to use the road. The poor condition of the road is posing danger to life and property. We had requested the authorities for to concrete and repair roads several times. I had myself sent a memorandum to the chief minister and the MCC officials. I even met the mayor and described the condition of the road and difficulties faced by residents. But there is no action yet from anyone."
"Many of accidents are taking place due to bad condition of the road. Motorists complain about slipped disc and spinal cord injuries. Around 10-12 handicapped people live in this area. I see them treading through this road everyday with great difficulty. School children too are suffering. While sand transporting trucks are a pain in summer, it is even worse in the rainy season," says Sadashiva Shetty, a resident of Angadimar.
Corporator blames MCC
Local corporator J Surendra blamed Mangaluru City Corporation for the issue. "There is discrimination by MCC in allocation of funds. While the ruling party members are receiving sufficient funds, the opposition members are getting only limited. I received only Rs 25 lac for my ward," he said.
"There are many roads in my ward which need immediate attention. How can I carry out development works with such a small amount? I can understand the problems of Angadimar residents. The length of the road is one and half kilometers. I can manage concreting of only 300 meters with Rs 25 lac. I will start the work soon," he added.
Unhappy residents allege corruption
"Nothing was done so far due to the lack of sincerity and proper attention from the officials. The issue of repairing such important roads should not hang in between the ruling and opposition parties. Immediate measures should be taken. We are now near to monsoon which will lead to more trouble," said Damini, a student.
The residents of the area alleged about the involvement of contractors in blatant corruption. "The contractors use poor materials which is one of the reason for the early depletion of roads. They start construction and repair just before the onset of monsoon. This period is chosen for a particular reason as they can blame rains and escape accountability for the use of poor material," said residents.