TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
BICHOLIM: With a second foundation stone laid for the same project by different governments after a gap of over six years, residents of Virdi and Amona have renewed hopes that the long-pending bridge linking the two villages will finally see the light of day.
The bridge is considered crucial for residents of Virdi, as the distance between Marcela and Virdi will be reduced from 18 kms to about 3 kms.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar laid the second foundation stone for the proposed Virdi-Amona Bridge on Sunday and assured residents of the early completion of the bridge.
It may be recalled that people have been demanding Virdi-Amona Bridge for many years and then Congress chief minister Pratapsing Rane had laid the foundation stone on April 4, 2007. All the formalities to acquire land were completed, but the bridge could not be constructed for one reason of the other.
Unhappy over the delay in constructing the bridge, then Sanquelim Municipal Council chairman Anand Naik had told Herald in 2010 that the bridge would not only help people from Sanquelim and Bicholim, but people from surrounding areas as well.
Besides minimising the distance between Marcela and Sanquelim, the bridge will also benefit residents of Sanquelim, Virdi, Maulingtad, Vazri and Karapur.
Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone for the proposed Virdi-Amona Bridge, Parrikar said, “We are trying to build a network of bridges in the State and despite all difficulties, we are carrying out development,” he said.
Taking a dig at the Congress, Parrikar said the cost of tender for Virdi-Amona bridge is Rs 28 crore, which is much less than the estimated cost which was Rs 33 crore.
Also speaking at the function, Sanquelim MLA Dr Pramod Sawant said the bridge will be developed in two phases.
“In the first phase, the Virdi-Amona Bridge will be completed and in the second phase Karapur-Virdi Bridge will be taken up,” he explained. Deputy Speaker Anant Shet also spoke on the occasion. SMC councillors, panchas and sarpanch were among others present.
