Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB) 

Mangaluru, Nov 8: Gilbert D’Souza, a well-known businessman has repaired nearly 30 potholes in the city and has received appreciation for his selfless act. 

On Thursday morning, Gilbert started filling the potholes at Bendoorwell and then he proceeded towards Bendoorwell Circle and Kankanady. After seeing Gilbert working as a labourer along with helpers, many stopped to ask him questions. However, the sudden attention did not stop Gilbert, who continued his work and filled around 30 potholes by noon. 

The members of a civic group and traffic police personnel also joined him and appreciated the leadership he took to keep city roads perfect.

Speaking to Daijiworld, Gilbert said that he frequently travels on the road which is riddled with potholes. Many accidents have taken place on this stretch and blaming the civic body is the usual tendency. "I thought why can’t I fill potholes for the time being and hence avoid mishaps. I shared this idea to Abdul Rauf another business friend and he extended his support to me and offered cement and sand. Civic group members also joined me and we closed more than 30 deadly potholes in city,” he said. 

“As a concerned citizen, I did my duty. We can’t wait for civic officials and administration all the time to take up emergency works. Closing the potholes for temporary period is not a big deal. As active citizens, we can also do this. We know the working style of our administration. So let’s focus on avoiding accidents and saving lives. We should take swift action. I think if citizens of the city take up the initiative, within a day, we can close all potholes on our city's roads. We can also use this idea as a protest against apathy shown by the administration,” he added.