We, the Chodnekars have to face a lot of problems in crossing the ferry everyday and this problem is not new to anyone in Goa. In his manifesto, Parrikar had promised us a bridge in return, if we elect the BJP candidate Anant Shet. Many dates have been changed for the foundation stone to be laid but when I read on the Herald that Parrikar is laying stone for the Zuari and Talipon bridge, it was only a day dream. If he cannot build a small bridge for Chorao in two and a half years, then is it possible to build 12 bridges within the remaining tenure of two and a half years? Why is he fooling the people of Goa?
Even though we have a BJP candidate elected, till today BJP government has not done even 10% work in Chorao. In the last meeting when Parrikar came to ask for votes to elect Shripad Naik he was quoted as saying: “If you elect Shripad Naik for the Lok Sabha elections then he will get us the funds from the Centre and immediately we shall commence the bridge work”. This has only been propaganda. Chorao people today find no change between the Congress and the BJP as both parties, whatever they had promised did not fulfill any of the promises.
Lawrence D’Souza, Chorao
Legalizing the illegal
State Minister for Forests and Environment Alina Saldanha said it would be difficult to find a Goan in Goa after some years. Now her own government headed by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar intends to bring a new legislation legalizing illegal structures in the State.
It may prove to be a final nail in the coffin for the age-old Communidades, and a boon for illegal houses. Will the Hon’ble Minister join the masses in opposing this bill?
K B Dessai, Margao
Bridging priorities
There are reports that the 3rd Mandovi bridge will have no budgetary support from the Central Govt costing at present estimates in excess of Rs 500 crores confirmed through a Parliamentary question in the ongoing session. At the same we have our Chief Minister announcing that he will lay the foundation of the 2nd Zuari bridge on Jan 26. This, when half the cost of the 2nd Zuari bridge will be met by the Central Govt. By all logic therefore should not the 2nd Zuari bridge get priority of construction when there have been regular reports for the last five years or more that the bridge is weak and may give way any moment. Then as written earlier there is a road being constructed in Porvorim which is going from nowhere to nowhere on which there is no traffic now and the road is being already fitted with decorative lights and pavements for non-existent pedestrians while a promised stretch of pavement of 600 meters from near the Gauri Petrol pump to Jeevottam Math on the left side of the NH17 is hanging fire. The logic here is that if the authorities recognise the reality of proper lighting and a pavement for this new road then should not the existing highway running through the same area be given the same facility. There are many such instances around Goa where important infrastructure is being neglected from being made and pet projects of the Chief Minister are being accorded the fast-track.
S Kamat, Alto-Betim
Market in Navelim
It is pretty sad to see that the vegetable, fruits and fish vendors sit out in the open or make shift tents to earn their daily livelihood in Navelim, be it rain or under hot sun. Though the Navelim constituency had the privilege of having a minister in the cabinet for last 25 years we don`t have a decent market place. The Rosary Bazaar was constructed about three decades back but it is always under-utilized.
We do need a decent market place for the people as well as for the locals to sell their produce.
Fernandes George Joao, Navelim
Silence over Gaza
Why is the Indian media virtually silent on the Gaza attack. What’s happening in Gaza is so heartbreaking. We could not even glance the images of children and cries of people of Gaza. I wonder how Israel and its supporters call it a war when there is no weapon in Gaza to fight against them. We could safely say this is the worst way of killing lives. And what’s even more surprising is the silence of the media.
Meenaz Bhanu, Margao
