Curbing accidents on Goa’s roads
We have another horrific accident in Porvorim where three lives were snuffed out. It is reported that the driver of the ill-fated vehicle was speeding. This is the problem. With improved roads in Goa, along with flyovers etc, drivers tend to test their cars to see how fast they can go. This is when accidents happen because of over speeding.
One way to minimise such accidents is to make all passenger vehicles with an engine capacity in excess of 1500cc very expensive. This can be done by raising the GST on them or levying additional road tax. If this is done then the number of powerful vehicles on the roads will reduce curbing the tendency to speed by drivers thus limiting the number of accidents and the fatalities therefrom.
Srinivas Kamat, Alto St Cruz
One nation one election a political gimmick?
Most people do not understand the concept of ‘one nation one election’. Soon a bill will be introduced in the Parliament for approval. Is this all we wanted all these years after gaining Independence from the colonial regime. We fought for our rights, our freedom and our liberty. We lived in diversity, unity upholding our dignity and brotherhood. So many governments ruled our country giving us the right to choose our candidates at election and now suddenly this one nation one election appears to be imposing a dictatorship on our country. Or are we still politically immature after 75 years of democratic governance to fall prey to political gimmick of power crazy politicians.
As pointed out in your issue,
O Heraldo Insight, Sept 4, we, voters made a mistake in supporting a candidate of our choice for personal interests at every election keeping the State and national interest on the back burner. Today we are haunted by a new concept depriving us of our rights at local and state governance. Who will give us the governance where people’s rights will be protected and upheld?
Ayres Sequeira, Salvador do Mundo
Pak seamers wreak Indian cricket team
India’s vulnerability against fast bowling was evident in their 2023 Asia Cup opener against Pakistan. The Pakistan seamers claimed all ten wickets as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill had a tough time facing them. India would have found it hard to reach even 150 if Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya had not stitched a century partnership. Although both sides split points after the rains ruined the game, the top players must find form soon.
N J Ravi Chander, Bengaluru
Most prefer private over govt hospitals
Majority of the people prefers to borrow money and go to private healthcare rather than government hospitals, due to their shabby state. The quality of the service in government hospitals are poor. This is the reason private hospitals are flourishing. The poor patients are finding it difficult to recuperate in government hospitals due to poor facilities. The resources available are not properly used. The other reasons being not getting adequate care from doctors and other staff at government hospitals. The attitude amongst staff at government hospital is as if they are doing the patient a favour, in contrast, in a private hospital, where they show you they are providing you a service.
A kind approach towards patients and visitors is lacking in government hospitals. By putting an emphasis on patient care and leveraging technology, government hospitals can create memorable experiences for their patients.
K G Vilop, Chorao
Get to the root of homelessness
This has reference to the report to the report in O Heraldo ‘Homeless need shelter at least for the night (September 4, 2023). That was an enlightening, informative piece from Gilmour Fernandes on Homeless people on the streets of Goa. One is certainly moved with pity at the sight of children, women and others roaming aimlessly, sleeping on the footpaths, whether it is in Goa or Mumbai or any other city. They have no home to go to, no place which they can call home. During the winter days one would find certain organisations distributing blankets to overcome the biting cold.
There is a limit however, as to how much NGOs & others can go to alleviate the sufferings of such homeless people. Who are these homeless people. When they cannot find any means of livelihood, they roam around the streets, taking to begging & crimes. Tackling such issues at source would certainly help to a very great extent.
Melville X. D’Souza, Mumbai
Why were illegal slums not cleared earlier?
The normal tendency with panchayats in Goa is to act only when a tragedy strikes! This is exactly what happened in Calangute where they announced that the illegal/slums will be removed only after the fire which destroyed numerous huts. Why was this action of removing slums not taken earlier by the Calangute Panchayat?
On the same lines I would like to point out that similar illegal/slums (including renting out to tenants) are mushrooming in other villages as well, including in Salcete. Will Salcete panchayats be proactive and act against these illegalities or like Calangute Panchayat wait first for a tragedy to strike!
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
