MARGAO: The Benaulim gram sabha was adjourned to June 19, before any proposals could be taken for discussion. The meeting which commenced at 10.30 am saw intense questioning by the gram sabha on a host of issues during the presentation of the action taken report.
When the issue of the storm water drains being clogged due to excavation and digging of roads by JICA contractors came up for discussion, the sarpanch informed that the panchayat has already written to the PWD for clearing of the drains on a war footing. He also informed that the internal drains are already being cleared by the panchayat.
The villagers brought to the notice of the gram sabha the bad and dangerous conditions of the road consequent to the sub-standard work carried out by the JICA contractors. They said that black topping of the excavated road has been done without the required compacting.
A villager informed that he has been regularly helping the people, who fall off from their two-wheelers due to the depressions on the road.
Panchayat member Menino de Bandar moved a resolution that the matter should be immediately taken up with the MLA, the Collector and all the other authorities for restoration of the road.
It was further suggested to close the road for traffic to avoid further accidents and fatalities. The villagers also demanded filing of a police complaint against the contractors.
Confirming the status of re-assessment of house tax, the sarpanch informed that the same would be taken up during the next month. It was also suggested that payment of house tax should be made online to facilitate payment without coming to the panchayat office.
It was brought to the knowledge of gram sabha that 16 units in a housing project have been occupied without occupancy certificates from the panchayat, however, water and electricity connections have been provided to the same.
The sarpanch informed that occupancy certificates for the said project have been withheld since there are complaints from the villagers that the builder has filled up a nallah; and the panchayat has approached the deputy collector for a survey and demarcation of the nallah.
