Mapusa residents have endured a year-long ordeal due to a malfunctioning lift at the Excise Department, compelling them to climb five flights of stairs. Despite repeated appeals, both authorities and elected representatives have failed to take any action, causing inconvenience, particularly for those with health concerns.
Expressing frustration, a local resident remarked, "The MLA nor the Minister is taking action. Why is no one taking action? Some can go up, while others faint climbing or suffer joint pain."
The situation has forced people to endure excruciating multiple trips up and down the stairs, leaving them breathless and in pain. Although the issue has been brought to the attention of the relevant authorities, no concrete measures have been implemented. A resident of Mapusa suggested, "The chief minister heads the excise department; he should at least come and see how the situation is here. It’s quite difficult to take multiple trips up and down the building."
Adding to the residents' discontent is the proposed relocation of the office to Porvorim, a decision that has sparked anger among the locals. Residents argue that shifting the office to Porvorim is impractical and too distant, causing significant hardships for them. They are demanding that the authorities either repair the non-functional lift promptly or consider relocating the office within Mapusa for the convenience of the residents.
Activist Sanjay Barde has announced plans to submit a memorandum to the authorities, emphasizing the impracticality of relocating the office to Porvorim. Barde stated, "They cannot shift the office to Porvorim. What about the people who come from Thivim, Siolim, and far-off places? There should be offices in Mapusa as a central location for the people of Bardez."