MARGAO: While stating that the bad roads in Margao and Rs 60 crore scam for refurbishing the Fatorda Stadium is the representation of corruption in the present BJP-led government, the Congress Party on Saturday threatened to move Lokayukta and other anti-corruption agencies if the government fails to penalise those responsible.
Briefing media persons on Saturday, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Girish Chodankar informed that the answers provided by Sports Minister Babu Ajgaonkar during the Assembly session clearly exposes the corrupt practices of the present government.
He allegedly pointed out that as per the answer in the Assembly, the estimated cost for refurbishing and upgrading of the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, at Fatorda was estimated at a cost of Rs 40.02 crore but was awarded to M/s M Venkatrao Infra Projects Pvt Ltd for Rs 46.30 crore, showing an increment of Rs 6 crore above the estimated cost.
“But more surprising is the fact that the contractor was actually paid an amount of Rs 60.44 crore and wondered how and why the contractor was paid such huge sum of money above the tendered cost,” Chodankar alleged.
“Everybody knows how Babu Ajgaonkar works and this huge payment is nothing but a scam which we want the government to unravel within 15 days failing which we shall use all avenues open to us including the Lokayukta, anti-corruption bureau and even Vigilance Department,” he claimed.
He further pointed out that in a clear case of duplication of work M/s Supercons Engineers and Contractor Pvt Ltd was awarded a tender for Rs 1.06 crore even though the estimated cost was Rs 89.54 lakh and added that the work reportedly undertaken was already done earlier by Ms M/s Venkatrao Infra Projects Pvt Ltd.
“People have a right to know the truth about this expenditure undertaken ostensibly to prepare the stadium for the National Games,” said Girish while pointing out that party MLAs were not given sufficient time to raise the matter on the floor of the House.
While pointing out that both the swimming pools at Margao and Mapusa are in a terrible condition, he demanded information on the money spent on the so called National Games specially given the fact that the Games are not likely to happen.
South Goa District Congress Committee President Joe Dias lamented the pathetic condition of the roads in Margao.
“It is indeed quite amazing that the roads that were asphalted in May have totally deteriorated with the monsoons barely three months later,” he said.
He pointed out that the roads around Margao Municipal Building and opposite Grace Church, near Govind Poi Shop and even in Rawanfond are in a terrible state causing traffic jams and hindrance to the motorists as they have to travel very slowly.
