PONDA: Goans are being retrenched while outsiders are being employed, alleged workers from a company based in Verna, during the ‘Janata Darbar’, a public grievance meeting organised by the Goa Forward Party (GFP) in Ponda on Friday.
Former employees of Duraline Factory in Verna complained that around 40 workers were retrenched in March, with the company citing financial crisis. However, the company continues to operate smoothly and has replaced Goan workers with non-Goans, the group told GFP’s Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, who attended the meeting with Congress leaders Rajesh Verenkar, Durgadas Kamat, Vishant Naik and others. “The retrenched workers have been protesting for over three months, demanding that Goans should be prioritised for employment in Goan industries,” said the group. Sardesai assured them that he would raise the issue in the Goa Assembly.
Ponda locals also voiced their grievances about various unresolved issues. They highlighted the lack of basic facilities at the Ponda Sub District Hospital, which often refers patients to GMC due to inadequate staff and equipment. The hospital has been functioning without a CT scan for 12 years and has vacancies for doctors and surgeons.
Additionally, locals complained about the lack of parking facilities in Ponda. They mentioned that traffic police issue fines for parking on the road without providing adequate parking zones.
Residents of Kerya-Khandepar demanded an underpass near the Government Primary School and Anganwadi for the safety of road-users, until the alignment and width of new service roads are discussed. Bethora locals called for a flyover at the NH junction due to heavy traffic congestion, making the area prone to accidents. They also requested the installation of a traffic signal to reduce accidents and fatalities.
Bethora residents also demanded an investigation into nine houses given EHN numbers by the Panchayat on Communidade land. They expressed frustration over frequent electricity breakdowns, which inconvenience families with school-going children, especially during the night. Water supply issues were also mentioned, with low water pressure affecting various areas in the Shiroda constituency, forcing some residents to rely on PWD tankers.
The inadequately equipped PHC in Bethora was another concern, compelling locals to rely on GMC for healthcare services. Sardesai assured Ponda residents that he would address these issues, noting that despite having four MLAs and Ministers, many problems remain unresolved in Ponda.
