IT News
Imphal, May 24:
After repeated appeals to government authorities to repair the dilapidated roads of Lamsang Bazar fell on deaf ears, residents of the locality resort to collecting donations from the vehicles plying on the streets in a bid to fix the road on their own.
“The government has turned a blind eye,” a resident says. “We have no other choice but to ask for donations as road conditions have affected the road traffic, vehicles, and most importantly, all the residents residing along the roads.
“The roads in our locality have been turned into muddy pools when it rains. Gravel and dust cloud the area on other days, causing breathing problems. As this problem simmers with no government intervention, the locals have to do something to solve the issues.”
The issue has also taken a toll on business owners and street vendors, primarily the eateries.
“On rainy days, it is challenging for customers to reach our shop as the roads are slippery and there is a high chance they might fall. Now that the road is dry, the dust has affected all the food items,” a shopkeeper narrates. “We are even compelled to cover their eyes, let alone our noses, if a vehicle goes by.”
Venting his ire at the government, a resident says: “The road has been in this bad shape for many years. Still, the government and related departments shied away from repairing it. As a result, the situation has triggered many road accidents; thereby, locals and commuters suffer greatly.”
The Imphal Times has learned that the roads at Lamsang Bazar, which is at the heart of the Lamsang Assembly Constituency, have been full of dust, dirt, and muddy potholes for many years. The commuters of this Uripok-Kangchup route have faced these challenges every day. In addition, with the beginning of the monsoon, the crisis has soared.