Cotigao Residents Demand Urgent Repair of Crumbling Portuguese-Era Bridges to Prevent Access Cut-off
In Cotigao, located in the southern part of Goa, an escalating crisis has left locals at the mercy of deteriorating infrastructure. Eight Portuguese-era culvert bridges, some of which are centuries old, are now in a state of disrepair and could soon collapse, severing the vital road access to the rest of the taluka. The situation has sparked widespread anger among villagers, who are demanding immediate repairs to these structures, which are integral to their daily commute and connectivity with neighbouring areas.
These historical bridges, which were once well-maintained during colonial times, have slowly crumbled over the years due to a lack of regular upkeep and modern maintenance. “The culverts connecting one ward to another are deteriorating after decades of use, and they are in desperate need of repairs or complete reconstruction,” says a panchayat member from Cotigao. His concern reflects the growing frustration among the community, who feel that the government has been neglecting their basic needs, despite repeated appeals. Many of the culvert bridges are showing clear signs of severe wear. Protection walls are crumbling, with rusted iron rods protruding, and in some cases, the entire structure has been washed away by seasonal rains. Residents fear that any further delay in addressing these issues could lead to a catastrophic failure. “Some of these bridges are on the brink of collapse. If any of them were to give way while a vehicle is passing, we could face an unthinkable disaster,” warned a local resident.
Despite these urgent concerns, the Public Works Department (PWD) has offered little reassurance to the villagers.
A junior engineer with the department, confirmed that an estimate for the repairs had been prepared, and tenders had been floated. However, he stressed that the work would only commence after receiving government approval. This statement, though meant to reassure, has done little to quell the growing mistrust among the locals, who are tired of hearing the same responses without seeing any tangible results. “They keep promising action, but nothing happens,” said a resident expressing the frustration shared by many in the village.
For the past two years, the residents of Cotigao have been sounding the alarm about the rapidly deteriorating condition of their bridges. In particular, the culvert on the Mone-Cotigao road has developed significant cracks, prompting temporary measures like the dumping of mud to prevent further damage. Yet, even these makeshift efforts have proven inadequate. After protests, the authorities brought in iron rods to create a temporary barrier on one side of the road, but locals are still apprehensive. “The culvert might collapse any moment, especially when a heavy vehicle passes,” warned, another resident.
The situation is particularly dire in Kuskem, where some of the culvert bridges are located in flood-prone areas.A local community leader, fears that if the bridges at Kuskem are not repaired before the monsoon, the entire road could be washed away during heavy rains, leaving the village completely cut off. With Goa’s monsoon season rapidly approaching, the urgency of the situation has only intensified.
While the state government has promised action, the lack of urgency from the authorities and the absence of any real progress have left the villagers feeling abandoned. This situation highlights the larger issue of infrastructure neglect in rural areas, where vital transportation links are often overlooked until it is too late. The delay in repairing these bridges is not just a matter of inconvenience; it poses a direct threat to the safety and livelihood of the people of Cotigao.
In a state where tourism and local agriculture depend on well-maintained infrastructure, the failure to address these urgent repairs may have long-term consequences for the region. Furthermore, it raises questions about the government’s commitment to preserving historical structures while ensuring that they are safe for modern use. As Cotigao’s residents wait for a response, the hope is that their voices will be heard before it’s too late to prevent a tragedy.
