Minister questions Centre's intent on Cuncolim bypass

MARGAO: Water Resources Minister and Velim MLA Felipe Neri Rodrigues on Monday said he wants to ascertain the intentions of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for constructing the national highway bypass at Cuncolim. 

The minister was chairing a meeting called to discuss the finalisation of national highway alignment for the Cuncolim-Balli bypass.

Rodrigues was first angered over the absence of senior officials of the PWD. He said, “I have made a point that our points have to be conveyed to the highest official possible. We are answerable to the people of the State. I have expressed my resentment as I can’t see any officer above Assistant Engineer of the PWD,” he said at the beginning of the meeting. 

“We have had the presentation of the alternatives for the National Highway alignment of the Cuncolim-Balli bypass. We will go to the highest level to ascertain government intention, as it is a Central Government sponsored project. The consultant who has been appointed is also from the Center. We can’t be taken for a ride by making Assistant Engineer and Consultant present the details,” Rodrigues said. 

He added, “We will go to Chief Engineer National Highways, PWD Minister, PWD Secretary in order to ascertain the government’s intention.”

Rodrigues also said that they would press upon the Transport Ministry to invest more money ‘so that land which is a scarce commodity in Goa can be saved’.

Three alternatives – of 11 kms, of 6.6kms and of 5.8 kms – were discussed. The cost of first alternative is Rs 537 crore, the second alternative comes to Rs 483 crore and the third alternative Rs 473 crore, which includes the cost of land acquisition. The third alternative has been approved by the Ministry of Transport. 

Cuncolim MLA Clafacio Dias, who was present at the meeting said, “We were expecting the councillors of the Cuncolim Municipal Council at the meeting, but only two turned up. They are needed to convey the same to the people.”

Besides Dias and the CMC Councillors, the deputy sarpanch of Balli was also present.