TEAM HERALD
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VASCO: Former Vasco MLA Jose Philip D’Souza has accused Vasco MLA and KTC Chairman Carlos Almeida of failing to take up “even a single developmental project” in the port town.
“During my tenure as Vasco MLA and revenue minister, I brought in a lot of development, but the present Vasco BJP MLA has, till date, failed to take up even a single developmental project in the port town,” stated D’Souza, while addressing a press conference along with Councillor Nany D’Souza.
“I had also proposed to construct a major storm water drain at Dhaktollem, for the benefit of residents in the area. My government had accepted the proposal to construct a nullah and the project was approved in 2011. However till date, nothing has been done and funds allotted for the project have been diverted to some other projects in another area by the Vasco MLA,” alleged D’Souza.
“Dhaktollem locals are facing a lot of hardship as they do not have any approach road to take in case of a disaster. The government has failed to take up necessary development in Dhaktollem,” he added.
Refuting the allegations, Almeida said naphtha fire broke out at the Dhaktollem nullah due to the negligence of Zuari Indian Oil Tanking Ltd (ZIOTL). “ZIOTL should restore what was destroyed in the naphtha fire, including the nullah,” he said.
“He (D’Souza) should find out why ZIOTL had not settled the claims of affected residents of Dhaktollem and had not compensated residents for the losses, besides failing to restore the land to its original state. D’Souza should ask ZIOTL to construct the nullah, instead of wasting government money,” added Almeida.
