‘Slippery’ footpath deters walkers on Bambolim-Taleigao stretch

PANAJI: The project to lay the pavement along the four-lane road from Goa Medical College to Goa University has drawn flak with citizens alleging that the anti-skid Pavit vitrified tiles are unsafe for pedestrians. Prompted by the objections the Public Works Department (Division II) is seriously considering replacing the tiles with either interlocking paver blocks or unpolished granite, sources said. Though no final decision has been taken, PWD sources said that efforts were on to ensure that the use of other tiles would not exceed the tendered amount.
“We have yet to meet and ask for quotations but we are trying to ensure that the replacement tiles fall in the same price bracket,” a PWD official said. Work began on the 33 crore project in December 2013, but even before the work can be completed on the already delayed Bambolim-Dona Paula four-lane road, residents, especially senior citizens, claimed that the tiles are slippery and will be even more dangerous during monsoons.
Despite the contractor and PWD asserting that the tiles are anti-skid, senior citizens and daily walkers find them too smooth for walking and have conveyed their objections in writing. Pedestrians have already taken to walking on the roads to avoid slipping and falling. “One thing is the tiles are smooth and in the rains it will only become worse as moss may make it very very slippery to walk on,” Rajan Verlekar, a Taleigao resident, said. “Already senior citizens are walking on the road instead of walking on the footpath.”
Assmas Constructions private limited, the contractor in charge of the project has acknowledged the problem and has confirmed that the tiles in question would not be used any more. “We will replace the tiles and use granite directly from the quarry, it will be rough,” sources in the company said. “We will get the department’s approval soon.”
The wide footpath from Aldeia side to Dona Paula on the four-lane road passing through Goa University campus is being done along with the road widening. The route has become popular with walkers and joggers, especially the middle-aged and health conscious senior citizens.
Replacing the anti-skid tiles that have already been set with granite will not only delay the project, it will also push the cost of the project up, citizens said. It will also mean that three different tiles will be used along the stretch for the footpath.