JOSE MARIA MIRANDA
In a State or system, where good governance seem to be words unknown to our rulers, where law and order issues, drug proliferation, murders, unnatural deaths, suicides, deaths on the roads or by drowning, etc, are regular occurrences, with an insensitive government paying little or no attention, good and laudable decisions or steps are an exception and should not be ignored or go unnoticed.
I have been extremely critical of the government for the complete breakdown of governance and consequent mess the State is in, with the CM behaving like a peacock as if everything is fine. But, today let me compliment the establishment for some exceptionally good works executed. It is no secret and everyone acknowledges it that every government project or work is sub-standard, with hardly any transparency in tenders or amounts spent. We blame contractors, but generally they are blameless for reasons, we all know .
On a walk from Mathany Saldanha Complex in Margao, I was happy to observe that the work of building the footpath was well executed and appears to be a good structure, on the side of main road, though, on the side of the drain, the work appears shabby and may not last long. It was also a pleasure to see that the drain on the northern side of the complex is being covered with good slabs, which will take away the stench, which passers-by and visitors to offices were subjected to, and which was tolerated by the Collectors for too long. Contrast these with those around the garden and elsewhere, executed by MMC. Even in other areas in Margao, where new footpaths are constructed, the job is badly done.
I must also register my appreciation that the generally hot mixing of roads in Fatorda constituency is well done and lasts longer than other roads in Margao. I am not insinuating anything, but that is a fact which could be vouched by the residents. When I asked an Engineer of PWD, he told me that it is because of the interest shown both by engineers and Councillors of the area. I could only wish that the same happens in Margao and councillors of the respective areas take similar interest.
Various roads in Margao and Fatorda are being dug so frequently, especially for sewage, that Margao city resembles a big cemetery. Whereas in Margao constituency, the sewage manhole is closed, leaving it much higher than the road level, perhaps awaiting a fresh coat of hotmix, in due course. Meanwhile, if someone hits the manhole on a bike, it seems to be the victim and his family’s problem, with irresponsible and insensitive rulers around.
In contrast, big trenches on St Joaquim Road were dug for sewage work and surely everyone appreciated that the dug stretch has been closed, taking special care to ensure that both the trench and the manhole are kept at the road level. Care, however, needs to be taken to ensure that the road doesn’t sink after the rains, as no curing seems to have been done. Must really commend the contractor and the supervisor, though there are still some manholes to be resurfaced.
Hope these few lines will encourage and motivate contractors and engineers to ensure that roads are resurfaced keeping the levels, so that speeding motorists and even pedestrians are safe and we see our roads less soiled with the blood of our fellowmen.