Reacting to a Herald report highlighting the danger posed by the weakened culvert, Saldanha stated in a press note that she had initiated steps to repair the culvert since March.
“The repairs had been postponed due to the festive season round the corner. This has been informed to the committee of Cortalim farmers who visited the MLA’s office a week ago,” stated Saldanha.
“With this road being an important link to the Sanctuary of Blessed Jose Vaz, Sancoale and important religious ceremonies scheduled at the time of the canonisation of Blessed Jose Vaz in the month of January, the work will commence immediately thereafter, on a war footing.”
On the need to reconstruct the sluice gate at Cortalim, which was brought to her notice by the Cortalim Comunidade Tenants Association, Saldanha clarified that she had taken up the issue with the Agriculture Minister, Ramesh Tawadkar.
“Officials of the agriculture department have been asked to initiate the work under Soil Conservation division and this will be taken up on emergency basis,” Saldanha added.
