Team Herald

PANJIM: The Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Nilesh Cabral on Wednesday said that almost 400 of the total 750 sanctioned posts of engineers are vacant in the department causing difficulties in executing various works due to shortage of technical staff.

Speaking to mediapersons, Cabral informed that a note has been put up to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant bringing to his notice the urgent need for recruiting engineering staff.

“We are working with barely 50 per cent of the required engineering staff strength. I have told this to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant,” Cabral said.

“How much can one staff work and cater to an area? It becomes difficult and time-consuming. PWD engineers have to physically be present at the site… how one engineer will manage these things,” he said, adding that pending new recruitment, a mechanism is been worked out to ensure that the works are not hampered and people are not at hardship.

In a candid submission, the minister said that the department is facing difficulties in achieving the goal of a 100 per cent pothole-free State, but he is trying for that.

Cabral made it clear that during his tenure as PWD minister, there will be accountability for every work that is done.