MARGAO: Residents of Benaulim have been grappling with persistent issues of non-functional streetlights, and this problem came to the forefront when local activist Rudolf Barretto filed a complaint using the newly-launched Chief Minister’s helpline on Friday.
“I lodged my first complaint on the newly launched Goa CM’s helpline,” Barretto reported, detailing a month-long saga of a non-functional streetlight on the Maria hall-Varca Road.
“I had lodged a complaint on August 7 with follow-up on August 8 with the local substation. I personally showed it to the Power Department Junior Engineer (JE) on August 10 when he came for the inauguration ceremony of the replaced high mast at the Maria Hall junction,” Barretto recalled.
Despite assurances, the issue remained unresolved. “He (JE) had promised to get the streetlight repaired by Monday, August 12. No one came till Tuesday,” Barretto explained.
“The lineman told me that they will require a bucket crane. No sign of the bucket crane and the streetlight is yet to get its Independence. Hence, I connected myself with the newly launched CM’s helpline. Positively waiting for a speedy outcome,” Barretto added.
It may be recalled that on Thursday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had launched the helpline on Independence Day, with the promise that the helpline, which is linked with seven departments, would resolve public grievances within 72 hours and it would be in operation between Monday and Friday from 10 am till 5 pm.
