CURCHOREM: The contractor in-charge of reconstructing the Curchorem upgraded primary health centre (CUGPHC) has stopped the work due to non-payment of bills by Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC).
The 60-bed hospital, which was inaugurated in 1967, was scheduled for demolition after it became dilapidated. GSIDC planned to reconstruct it as an 82-bed hospital on 9,314 sq mts of land. The first phase of construction had begun recently after demolishing the old residential quarters and parts of the hospital.
Former Chairman of the Visiting Committee Manohar Naik said that the health centre provided essential medical facilities to people from Curchorem-Kakoda, Sanvordem, Panchwadi, Peri-Udok, Bandol, Codli-Tisk, Assolda and Xeldem. As such, it should be completed quickly to avoid further inconvenience to the patients. He informed that most patients were moved to Hospicio Hospital, Margao after administrating first aid due to shortage of facilities and doctors.
“The Prime Minister is saying the economic condition of the country has improved. Then why can’t the Goa government pay the contractors. Besides re-imposing VAT on patrol, all other taxes have increased. There is increase in water and electricity tariffs, collection of entry tax on vehicles, rising prices of essential goods, thus burdening the common man. Still why the government cannot pay the contractors?” asked Naik.
Meanwhile, Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral stated, “The contractor has also not done enough work to pay him, but I have written a letter to the GIDC asking them to clear the funds.” He said he had spoken to the chief minister to release the funds to the GSIDC at the earliest in order to resume the reconstruction.
