Residents of Kadamwadi in Vakola, Santacruz East, have raised concerns over unfinished road concreting work being carried out by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), alleging that the partially completed stretch has created safety risks ahead of the monsoon season.
According to locals, the civic body stopped work around four to five days ago without completing the footpath and drainage-related work on one side of the road. Residents claim that the unfinished stretch has left the area exposed and potentially hazardous for pedestrians and motorists.
Local resident Ivan Pais said he had contacted the assistant municipal commissioner of the H East ward regarding the issue but did not receive clarity on when the remaining work would be completed.
“The work finished a few days ago. The issue is that the old stormwater drain would pass under the shops, and I think the BMC planned to change this. But I don’t know if that has been done properly. The problem is that the spot has become dangerous. There is a bar and restaurant in front of the spot, and also people park their vehicles at the spot. Someone could fall down,” said Pais.
Yasir Mohammad, who runs a bakery in the area, expressed concern about the approaching monsoon season and the incomplete civic work.
“The BMC staff left with all their tools, so we don’t know if they will come back to finish the work. If the rains start sooner than May 31 and this work doesn’t get completed, it could be dangerous for everyone,” he said.
A local stall owner alleged that certain nearby structures were delaying completion of the work.
“There are a few small huts/settlements in front of the dug-up portion. They are not allowing the BMC to finish the work as they think their structures will be removed,” the stall owner said.
Responding to the concerns, Sachin Bhujbal, assistant engineer for maintenance in the H East ward, said desilting work on a section of the drain was currently underway, while the remaining road and footpath work would be completed separately by the road department.
Source: Mid-day
