Team Herald
CUNCOLIM: Panchayat Minister Rajendra Arlekar on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for the new Sarzora panchayat ghar, which will be constructed by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation at a cost of Rs 1.42 crore.
Speaking on the occasion, Arlekar said that the BJP government was for the all-round development of the State, and it did not differentiate as far as development was concerned. He also promised to help the Sarzora panchayat develop the village.
“I am open to helping the panchayats not only with the construction of panchayat buildings, but also providing other infrastructure facilities,” he added.
Sarzora Sarpanch Jacinto Fernandes said that panchayat ghar was a “dream come true” for him and the villagers. He stated, “For the last 53 years, our panchayat is running in a rented house. The government has sanctioned Rs 1.42 crores for this project.”
Meanwhile, Sarzora local Vincent Carvalho questioned why the BJP government was laying the foundation stone so late, and whether it was a ploy to gain mileage for the 2017 polls.
In a press statement, he has drawn attention to two other foundation stones that had been laid for the project, and has criticised the wastage of panchayat funds for these functions.
The foundation stone laying ceremony on Tuesday was also attended by Velim MLA Benjamin Silva. GSIDC Chairman Dr Pramod Sawant, and Panchayat Director Gurudas Pilarnekar.
