It was really shocking to read the news of CCP’s bankruptcy in your news paper dated 17th of September. All these years we never heard about any such thing from the CCP. During the financial year 2013-2014 the CCP increased the house taxes by a whopping margin of 400%.
Upon verbal inquiry at the CCP office then, the reply was that the revision was long overdue and hence the percentage was high. It indeed was a bitter pill to swallow for the common man. And now, doesn’t it sound fishy that the CCP goes bankrupt within a couple of year’s time from this move? Is there any misutilization of funds somewhere down the lane?
Secondly the CCP is all geared up to implement pay parking on city roads for which the public are already paying road taxes. The CCP administrators say that the move is in public interest as it will solve parking problems and at the same time it will generate some income to CCP.
I don’t think that too many of city visitors will disagree with me if I say that if at all the CCP is really concerned about the general public than it should keep the first 15 to 30 minutes as free parking and then charge for the parking, increasing the rate for every hour thereof. Won’t it sound as legal public extortion if CCP charges for the first 5 to 10 minutes on roads for which the users are already paying taxes?
Rafael Monteiro, Caranzalem
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Helmets, a must
Why are people so reluctant to wear helmets when driving motor cycles? Surely its obvious to everyone that wearing a helmet helps to protect the most vulnerable part of your body – your head – when your head hits the road doing 20 mph let alone 30 – 40 mph your skull is like glass and will shatter. You are either paralyzed, badly injured or dead.
Surely its better for everyone if helmets are worn by the driver and pillion passengers. The authorities should come down hard on riders of motor cycles who flaunt the law. ‘A helmet on the head is better than dead’.
Many years ago in the UK we had similar arguments about the wearing of helmets, wearing seat belts in cars and using mobile phones while driving but after legislation was bought in by Parliament we have seen a major reduction in serious injuries to drivers which leads to less stress on hospital facilities.
Ray Bradbury, UK
Taleigao floods predicted
Why are people surprised at the Taleigao floods! Over the last so many years, there were few including myself warning regularly of illegal constructions at Taleigao and the serious implications that it would cause to the area. But this fell on deaf years by greed of many local people, the corrupt government, it’s pathetic governing bodies and the local Taleigao politicians; who the people of Taleigao themselves kept on electing for many years.
And what’s worst was that, many at Taleigao were praising their corrupt local politicians and keeping quite to all the nonsense happening at their village. So to the people of Taliegao I will say “As you sow, so shall you reap”. I hope other villages and towns in Goa learn from the follies of Taleigao!
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
Sabka vikas sabka saath
There were expectations that BJP having assumed power at the centre will show greater sense of responsibility and avoid communalization of already polarized atmosphere. But unfortunately all these hopes are belied.
Inter-community harmony, peace and amity is essential for progress and development of the country. Suspicion hatred and conflicts must be avoided at any price. Then only the country can flourish with the slogan “Sabka Vikas Sabka Saath”.
Farheena Hussainy, Navelim
Improve public transport
With government finally decided to make helmet’s compulsory for pillion rider on the highways it’s a relief to many people especially in the villages because there was a fear that the cops will take advantage of this rule.
But the government must seriously focus in improving the public transportation which is the main cause in increase of two wheelers accidents. If there was proper public transport in place people will use less private transportation which is much safe to go to work rather than driving back home after long day specially when you are tired after a long day.
Cities like London, New York, Paris are successful due to prompt and affordable public transport. It’s never too late to think ahead specially Goa being a tourist destination, tourists are looking for good public transport and not all tourists are wealthy and use taxi service every day.
Dixon Vaz, Fatorda
