Dealers say their complains have fallen on deaf ears
TEAM HERALD
PONDA: Welcoming Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s reported statement to take action against suppliers of construction material in connection with Canacona tragedy, All Goa Cement Stockists Association urged the government to keep a strict vigil on unauthorised supply of cement from neighbouring states and also on ready mix concrete plants based in the State.
Addressing news conference at Farmagudi-Ponda on Tuesday, AGCSA members claimed that they had informed the State government some six months ago about unauthorised entry of cement stock in the State, but no action has been taken.
“There are about 100 authorised cement dealers in the State. However, every day truck loads of cement is brought into the State. The government is losing revenue as the consignment is unauthorised and there is no authenticity of the material (cement). But till date no action is taken based on our complaints,” stated AGCSA President Devidas Shilkar.
Questions are also being raised on the authenticity of RMC plants and AGCSA members have urged to keep a check on such units in the State.
“We deal in cement from reputed companies and are certified, but we feel there is no control over the material from RMC or the cement brought from neighbouring states at lower prices,” said AGCSA Secretary, Sanjay Fondekar.
“It is high time that the State government takes strict measures to keep a check on RMC and on unauthorised cement supplied from neighbouring states,” added Fondekar.
The AGCSA members are also concerned that the Canacona incident might have an adverse impact on the construction sector in the State.
“The incident has portrayed a bad image of the State and people will fear to invest in the booming construction sector. The government must take immediate steps to protect the sector,” urged Fondekar.
