Mapusa Office Ceiling Collapse Injures Clerk, Exposes Govt Building Safety Crisis
A senior clerk suffered injuries on Monday after a portion of the ceiling collapsed at the child development project office in Pernem, Mapusa. The alarming incident has sparked urgent concerns about the deteriorating condition of government buildings across the region.
Concrete Slab Falls During Lunch Break
The collapse occurred around 2 pm while Sujay Gawade, the senior clerk, was having his lunch inside the office. Eyewitnesses reported that a substantial concrete slab, measuring approximately 1.5 to 2 meters, suddenly detached from the ceiling and crashed down.
The falling debris directly struck Gawade, causing injuries that required immediate medical attention. Staff members quickly arranged for his transfer to the Tuem government hospital, where he received treatment for his wounds.
Panic and Evacuation Follow Structural Failure
The sudden collapse created widespread panic among both office staff and visitors present in the building. Many people rushed out of the premises, fearing that additional structural failures might occur at any moment.
Pernem deputy collector Shivprasad Naik promptly visited the site to assess the damage. After conducting a thorough inspection, he officially declared the building unsafe for occupation.
Officials Blame PWD for Ignoring Warnings
Deputy collector Naik placed direct responsibility for the incident on the Public Works Department. He revealed that he had previously warned a junior engineer from the department about potential accountability for any accidents occurring due to building neglect.
"The PWD had claimed that formalities for repairs were still in process," Naik stated, highlighting the department's inadequate response to safety concerns.
Immediate Action and Historical Neglect
Naik announced he would issue immediate orders to vacate all offices housed within the compromised building. He also demanded a comprehensive structural stability report from the PWD to assess the full extent of the damage.
"We cannot wait for more injuries or a fatality before shifting offices from this complex," the deputy collector emphasized, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
A staff member from the child development project office described the incident as "a disaster waiting to happen." The official disclosed that written communications had been sent to the PWD in both 2022 and 2023, reporting significant structural damage and requesting urgent relocation.
Broader Safety Concerns in Government Complex
The safety issues extend beyond the child development office. Staff from neighboring offices, including the labor department and civil supplies storeroom, reported that their sections also exist in dangerous conditions.
Deputy collector Naik acknowledged that relocation would need to occur in phases due to the substantial volume of official records stored throughout the building complex.
This incident has brought renewed attention to the critical need for regular maintenance and timely repairs in government buildings across the region, with officials now facing pressure to address long-standing structural safety concerns before more serious accidents occur.
