Goemkarponn Desk
CANACONA : Agonda’s infamous Borim bridge is finally getting ready and is all set to provide a new look in place of the old dangling footbridge. The newly constructed 12- metres long two Culvert Boxes bridge has already got its slab, and awaiting the final touches in the days to come.
Residents are however sceptical, stating that though the previous 10-metres long footbridge dangerously used by motorists to cross -over has become 12-metres long now with the construction of two Culvert Boxes, it is still going to be short on the 25 metres long width Agonda river.
‘Previously, with the three large pillars two located on either sides of the river banks were extended through the river and the footbridge was unable to provide enough passage during heavy floods. Now, the Culvert bridge is only extended by 2 metres, but still short of free passage underneath, with the exception that this bridge has little more height. But we still expect, the swelling river during floods, will eventually not provide free passage for the water to flow freely especially during floods which are regular at this part of Agonda river’, asserted a resident.
Social worker Nilesh Pagi, who is known to spearhead the construction of the new Culvert bridge with the help and cooperation of ex-Dy Speaker and ex-Canacona MLA Isidore Fernandes,however differs stating the new bridge is more spacious in length and height than the previous footbridge and will provide enough passage for flood waters to pass-out.
‘ Once the approach roads are constructed it will give proper view and description, and this bridge will be a blessing not only for locals but it will give shorter and better access to Agonda Beach’, Pagi, who is husband of Agonda Dy.Sarpanch Shilpa Pagi.
Resident also says once the bridge is completed the ‘Borim-Bridge’ nickname it earned due to the precarious situation of the portuguese era Footbridge dangerously used by motorists will be changed as brand new and better Culvert bridge will replace it.
