Team Herald
PANJIM: The Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) has submitted an affidavit in reply in the court that it will carry out ‘rubble soling’ with plain cement concrete (PCC) on top, as a temporary measure, to mitigate the pathetic situation of some of the roads in the capital city of Panjim.
Though the work has been carried out, it has not satisfied the city residents and those who use the roads have said that the measures are of no use.
Speaking to O Heraldo, Altaf Hussain, an autorickshaw driver said, “The rubble soling has been done partly done leaving some portion of the roads with potholes. It is very difficult to drive on these roads. It is breaking our bones as well as damaging parts of our vehicles.”
Social activist Tanoj Adwalpalkar said, “After the January 1, 2024, accident, it came to light that the smart city works were given to different contractors. The government promised that the work would be completed within a year but failed to do so. Now the government has said that the work will be completed by next year. But the question is how? Till now even 30 per cent work has not been completed. Though the authorities promised the court that the work will be completed within a time frame, the fact is that pace of the work remains the same. The reason is they want to increase the cost of the project.”
Saif Ali, a Bhatlem resident said, “The tarred road was washed away. Then rubble soling was done in a haphazard manner but has not served any purpose. The road is not smooth and many people have met with accidents.”
Former Corporation of the City of Panjim (CCP) Mayor Uday Madkaikar said, “ It was announced that the potholes would be repaired before Ganesh Chaturthi but nothing has happened. I have been told that the smart city projects have to be audited. The IPSCDL is fooling the people as well as the court. They are neither scared of the court nor are they scared of the people.”
Goa Pradesh Youth Congress general secretary Saeesh Aroskar said, “The roads have been destroyed but the government is not paying attention. Chief Minister made a statement that because of rains, the roads are not being repaired. Now let us see what he does after the rains. I do not think that smart city works are going to be completed so soon. They have been giving deadlines but they do not stick to them. See the pathetic condition of the Bhatlem roads. They should complete one project and then move to another but they do not do that. They have just dug roads in the entire city and created a mess.”