Bridge construction over Rua de Ourem creek finally begins

Ahead of the crucial 2017 elections, the BJP-led coalition suddenly woke up from its slumber to fulfill the poll promise made in 2012 by finally starting construction of the new cantilever bridge across Rua De Ourem creek. 

The two-lane bridge will connect the Goa State Museum at Patto Plaza to Mala, and will cut down the distance of vehicles entering the capital city and Mala by 1.5 km. The BJP, in its election manifesto and thereafter then Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in his State budget had promised the bridge would ease traffic congestion in front of Kadamba bus stand, office of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, the newly constructed multi-level car parking and the Patto Bridge.

However, the so-called dream project – a gift especially for the Malakars (Mala residents) was lost amidst various projects only to be revived when the State has barely a few months left to go to polls. 

“Better late than never! The portion of the slum area is given attention at the time of elections but we are content that at least it has some space in government projects. All of us are excited to see when the Bridge becomes a reality,” Soni, one of the residents of the area where the other end of the Bridge will come up, said. 

The Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), which has contracted the project to M/s Larsen & Toubro Ltd, envisages completing the project in 18 months with the first phase expected to be commissioned by the month of September. 

The proposed 103mts Rua de Ourem – Red Bridge is being constructed at a cost of Rs 24.24crore. In a bid to create a positive impression on the people of Panjim, the government ordered commencing the work on the very day the foundation stone was laid on April 8. 

“People can even walk along this bridge to reach from one end to another. People engaged in the work have told us about a footpath on the bridge,” another resident Shivkumar Taurappa said quickly adding, “We just hope that the government meets the deadline and does not come up with any excuses over any possible delay.”

Panjim MLA Siddharth Kunkalienkar received plaudits from residents when he warned ‘certain sections’ that Malakars will not accept the work being dragged to the court or tribunal. 

However, the noise owing to the ongoing work has caused hardship to various people who reside in the surrounding areas.