Pointing out at bad condition of Kulashekar-Shakthi Nagar Road, Shankar Bhat, a resident, said the Mangalore City Corporation authorities never bothered to repair it.
Referring to a road cut at Shakthi Nagar Cross he said: “It was dug up in October first week for repair of a pipeline. After several weeks of repair work, they just dumped mud on the portion which was cut. It has resulted in a huge pothole now. This narrow stretch has virtually become a one-way,” he said.
“They collect road cutting charges from us while seeking permission for it but seldom make use of the amount collected. They wait till the condition of the road worsens and then spend lakhs of rupees on filling potholes,” he said.
Mr. Bhat was among several residents and motorists concerned over the worsening condition of the road between Kulashekara and Shakthi Nagar. Buses, school vehicles, including bringing children to the Sacred Hearts School at Kulashekara, use this road.
The road has deteriorated at several points. Apart from bumpy stretch near Shakthi Nagar cross, potholes have come up near the Water Tank, Cashew Factory, and near Mandd Sobhann. These potholes develop because of stagnant water. “Every year these potholes are filled up. But a few weeks of rainfall, the potholes are again formed,” said a resident N. Vaman. He was not happy with the way these potholes have been filled this time. “They have filled up the potholes with mud. It has become difficult for two-wheelers to negotiate these stretches,” he said.
The dust that flies off when vehicles move on these pothole-filled stretches is troubling the residents. “I find it difficult to walk down and drop my daughter to the school,” said R. Fernandes. “I have to keep my car always covered to protect it from dust,” said an employee with a nationalised bank.
Councillor of Padavu Central Ward Mariyamma Thomas said she had brought to the notice of authorities concerned about the problems faced by the residents.
“I have submitted proposals for quality repair of this road. But officials are yet to take action. It has become difficult for me to answer queries of the residents,” she said.
Mangalore City Corporation Commissioner Harish Kumar K. said work on repairing Kulashekara-Shakthi Nagar Road would be taken up in 10 days. This road would be among the several bus routes in the 60 wards in the city where pothole filling work would be done. “This pothole filling work will definitely be of a better quality than works done earlier. If there are any problems about the quality, people are free to call me on my mobile (9945794353) and inform me,” Mr. Kumar said.
