TEAM HERALD
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MARGAO: Even as the PWD is racing through time to complete the Assolna-Cavelossim bridge by July-end, residents of Colleamwado-Assolna have called for the construction of an arm connecting the bridge to the locality before the bridge is thrown open to public.
They have also demanded dredging of a small portion of the river Sal under the bridge pillar to ensure smooth navigational channel for the traditional fishermen of the locality.
The residents had first raised their demand for construction of an arm connecting the bridge to Colleamwaddo with an approach road for the benefit of the local populace during the tenure of then PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao. Their argument is simple: They contended that though the bridge is literally passing over the locality and it would require them to travel nearly two-kilometer distance to take the bridge.
The matter was again placed before Churchill’s successor Sudin Dhavlikar, who had issued directions to the PWD officials to take the demand into consideration. However, while the bridge work is in progress, there’s no activity noticed near the bridge in respect of construction an arm connecting Colleamwaddo to the bridge.
Says local resident, Agostinho Furtado: “After the local people had drawn attention of the Velim MLA Benjamin D’silva, he had invited PWD Minister, Sudin Dhavlikar for inspection of the bridge. We have no knowledge whether the government will consider our demand or not since there’s no noticeable activity in respect of the approach road to the bridge from Colleamwaddo”.
When contacted, the Velim MLA said that the PWD Minister had promised to consider the demand of the residents, adding that he would pursue the matter with the Minister.
When Herald contacted PWD Executive Engineer, Mardolkar to throw light on the issue, he said he would seek details on the matter from his subordinates.
Meanwhile, Furtado has called for dredging of a small portion of the river near pillar No one on the Assolna side of the bridge.
“Due to construction work of the bridge, sand has shifted near the pillar, hampering navigation during low tide. The problem can be solved by dredging of the portion,” he added.
