Mayabunder, March 12: The residents of Mayabunder have raised their concerns over the lack of basic amenities in their region. It has been over a decade since the North & Middle Andaman district was formed, and Mayabunder was declared as its headquarter. However, the residents still struggle with the lack of healthcare facilities, transportation, road infrastructure, and mobile network coverage.
In a letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Abdul Siddique, Ex-Pramukh Mayabunder recently highlighted their grievances and urged the authorities to take immediate action. The letter addressed some crucial demands, which require urgent attention.
The first demand was related to the healthcare facilities available in Mayabunder. Mr. Abdul Siddique requested that Dr.R.P.Hospital in Mayabunder be equipped with modern equipment and experienced medical personnel, including super-specialists, Gynecologists, Sonologist, Radiologist, General Surgeon, Orthopedician, Neurologist, Anesthetist, pediatrician, and other required assisting staff. The lack of such facilities has led to critical cases being referred to Port Blair, which is nearly 250-300 km away from Mayabunder. The poor condition of the Andaman Trunk Road also makes it difficult for patients and their attendants to travel to Port Blair. Mr. Abdul Siddique suggested that until the required specialists and super-specialists are appointed, regular duty-cum-tour trips of specialists/super-specialists may be organized to Mayabunder without any break.
The second demand was for a regular boat service to Mayabunder. Mr. Abdul Siddique requested that a vessel with better facilities be provided on alternate days for the people of Mayabunder. The current boat, M.V.Dering, is more than 50 years old and does not have sufficient facilities. The lack of a proper boat service has affected the patients, especially the elderly who face difficulty travelling on the Andaman Trunk Road.
The third demand was for the repair of Neemtala Road under Pokadera Panchayat. The road connects the main road near the old fire station and minimizes the distance for the general public, especially the patients coming to Dr.R.P.Hospital, Mayabunder. However, the road is in a dilapidated condition, making it dangerous for daily commuters. Dumping of earth by an agency on the mentioned road has made it more dangerous. The residents have requested the concerned authorities to repair the road immediately so that two and four-wheeler vehicles can easily pass.
The fourth demand was for the repair of the Anganwadi Center on Matches Company Road at Pokadera. The parents of small children have raised concerns about the condition and problems of the Anganwadi Center. The center does not have a water tap connection in the kitchen, forcing the use of water from the washroom for drinking and cooking for the children. Despite earlier complaints to the concerned department, no action has been taken to address the issue.
The fifth and final demand was to improve the mobile and data network coverage under Pokadera Panchayat. Mr. Abdul Siddique has complained about the poor mobile network and data network coverage in most of the villages, especially in ward numbers 04, 05, and 06, and Gadda basti at Danapur of Pokadera Panchayat.
The residents of Mayabunder hope that the authorities take immediate action to address their grievances. Basic amenities like healthcare, transportation, and road infrastructure are critical for the growth and development of any region. The authorities need to take the concerns raised by the residents seriously and work towards resolving them at the earliest.
Leave a Reply