CANACONA: A former chairperson of the Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) Mahadev Dessai has accused the present council of stalling developmental works, a charge denied by the present chairperson Simon Rebello, who has insisted that justice has been given to all 10 municipal wards.
Dessai said he had obtained sanction for several developmental works from the Director of Municipal Administration (DMA) before the end of last financial year, but tendering process was halted due to the Lok Sabha election code of conduct. “When the time came to call for tenders, five councillors wrote to the DMA raising their objections against the sanctioned works. They felt their wards were discriminated, just at a time when it was time for me to relinquish my post. All the five councillors, including Rebello, are in the ruling group now,” Dessai told Herald.
“The present council hasn’t shown any inclination to call for tenders and has virtually refused to take up developmental works for which I had obtained approval, thus denying developments worth Rs 1.69 crore in the council,” alleged Dessai.
Dismissing the allegations, Rebello claimed that many wards were discriminated while taking up the works.
“This was not acceptable to many of us. We have decided to review these works and fresh proposals will be submitted and approved through the DMA,” he said.
“How could Palolem ward, the most important tourism spot of Canacona, be omitted from any of the developmental works, when Rs 1.69 crore worth works were being undertaken in the council areas,” he asked.
“Why were Bhagatwada, Mastimoll, Patnem and Devabhaga wards also discriminated against? Why were only two wards, including the Ponsulem ward represented by the ex-chairperson, the beneficiaries of most works worth Rs 1.69 crore?” asked Rebello.
“I will not allow injustice to any ward and make every effort that interests of all the councillors/wards are duly protected, when we send revised proposals,” Rebello told Herald.
