Says every time he initiates project, VP sends resolution opposing the same
TEAM HERALD
CALANGUTE: Refuting allegations by former Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes regarding the neglect of Candolim village, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo on Wednesday hit out at the Candolim Panchayat for opposing various projects in the village.
“I’m surprised by allegations that I have neglected Candolim. Whenever I go for development in Candolim, a resolution opposing the project is sent to me by the village panchayat,” Lobo told Herald.
“If Fernandes was so keen on development, why was the sewage project not started in Candolim? A separate sewerage treatment plant is coming up for Candolim and I have even identified a place for pumping station in Candolim near the Nerul bridge. The local body should cooperate for the development of the village,” he said.
“I proposed a footpath and road widening from Candolim market to Church, but it was opposed by the Candolim gram sabha. Similarly, the road widening from Candolim Ximer to Candolim Panchayat was also opposed by villagers,” he said.
“I want to develop Candolim, but the panchayat should cooperate in the matter. How can I go ahead with development when I receive resolutions from Candolim Panchayat opposing the projects,” he asked.
“When BJP came to power, I got the water-logged area near Candolim Ximer done within eight days, which Fernandes failed to do and today there is no water-logging and people can move freely to and fro Candolim-Calangute.”
“I want to re-do the footpath from Candolim to Sinquerim, but there is opposition from the villagers and the panchayat. I also want Candolim to be a part of the garbage treatment plant coming up at Calangute plateau, but an attitude of opposition serves no purpose,” he added.
When contacted, Fernandes said the gram sabha had opposed the road-widening work fearing situation like Calangute, where compound walls and structures were forcibly razed in the name of development.
“The footpath at Candolim market was opposed, as there is no alternative parking space for visitors. Residents from Candolim will always oppose haphazard development, including the recently inaugurated road at Camottim Vaddo, Candolim, which is being constructed within 50 meters of high tide line (CRZ) to give a back-door entry to builders,” said Fernandes.
