Funds are easily made available for foreign junkets ostensibly to study projects, but money quickly becomes scarce when it comes to the implementation of projects in the State.
Developmental works on the famed Calangute coast, which were started a few months after the BJP government took over power from the Congress, have been going on at snail’s pace reportedly due to lack of funds.
Time and again, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo has admitted that the State government has had little funds to carry on the developmental projects.
The government-sponsored Rs 1 crore junket for 38 persons, most of whom have no technical expertise, to observe the functioning of solid waste management facilities in Italy, Austria and Germany, has been criticized, especially since a number of projects are left pending in Calangute for want of funds.
The major project to beautify Calangute beach, including the construction of the beach promenade, is yet to be ready despite assurances to complete it before the start of the ongoing tourist season. The road widening works through GSIDC from St Alex Church is yet to take shape though the foundation stone was laid for the project.
“The government has been unable to complete the developmental projects initiated in Calangute either through the PWD or GSIDC, but it has been spending lavishly on foreign study tours. The unnecessary expenses on such tours could have been utilized for developmental works, especially at the Calangute beach, which is lacking toilets, changing rooms, etc,” said a local, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The incomplete work along the Calangute beach has already sent a wrong signal to the tourists visiting Calangute beach.
“We have been visiting Calangute every year at Christmas and we used to enjoy the sitting at the main entrance. But last year, we did not have a good time due to ongoing works at the site,” says Collin, a tourist from England.
“We have been told that the work is yet to be completed and it will be the second year in running that we will not be able to have a good time on the beach. We will return to Calangute only when the pending works are completed. Perhaps, we may be in Calangute in 2014,” he added.
When Calangute MLA Michael Lobo was asked to comment on works getting hampered in Calangute due to lack of funds, Lobo agreed to the delay, but refused to comment any further in the matter.
Lobo however added that he was travelling on an official trip for the first time as it was his dream project to have a garbage treatment plant at Calangute.
