The work for the laying of the new sewerage system as well as other works in the capital city has led to the pathetic state of roads that have been dug, re-dug and shabby conditions not only for the people of Panjim, but also those from all over Goa coming to offices in the city to do their work, as also tourists, who have been put to great inconvenience.
The mess in Panjim had prompted the High Court of Bombay at Goa to rightly state ‘half of Panjim is like a war zone’. The High court should however took cognisance of the apathy of the IPSCDL, the contractor Creative Entrepreneurs LLP, PWD, the Panjim MLA, the Mayor of CCP as well as the Government of Goa, who collectively should assume responsibility for the mess that has been created.
It may be recalled that at least one high profile fatality has been reported from Panjim from near Peoples High School. Also there are several instances of accidents that have taken place in Panjim during this period of about two years. To add to these woes, disruptions of all kinds like severing of optical fibre cables, damage to piped LPG system as well as telephone lines as also water supply pipeline has become the order of the day during this period.
Normally, credit for work done is being taken by the one who is at the top of the ladder. In this case, who is primarily responsible for this state of affairs? The most affected are the pedestrians, and senior citizens and also motorists whose vehicles have been damaged. If a master plan had been prepared in advance with participation of all relevant departments mentioned above, and methodical planning for digging of specific roads and completion of works in an orderly and professional manner during this period Panjimites would not have to bear the brunt of dust pollution which is damaging the respiratory system of the city dwellers as well as as the congestion of traffic which has become an eyesore.
No excuses should be accepted because immaterial the citizens had to pay a heavy price that could and should have been avoided by professional planning and diligent and methodical execution of work. It is unlikely that any other part of the country would have to bear such a brunt which the people of Panjim are facing.
No such hardships have been faced by the residents of Altinho, where the Chief Minister of Goa is residing which two roads to the Panjim church and to St Inez have been spared from these works that are amateurish.
It is the height of incompetence. The Lok Sabha elections most probably are slated for the end of April and in view of the polls what will happen during the conduct of the election if the works can only be completed by May 31.
If Goa is hit by pre-monsoon showers, Panjim can become a festering area susceptible to malaria and dengue.
Also, during the pendency of these works, the drainage system throughout the length and breadth of Panjim may not be cleaned thus affecting the preparedness for eventualities of flooding in the city, which has become a major problem for its residents and businesses.
Who will compensate the people of Panjim for the direct and indirect effects as a consequence of these shoddy works that have been undertaken?
