PANJIM: The opposition benches cornered the government over the unending concretization of Miramar-Dona Paula road arguing that the work has put everyone to hardship for over two years.
Raising a starred question during Question Hour on Wednesday, unattached St Cruz MLA Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate called the expenditure on the roads a waste. “Why was there need to concretize the road? The Rs 80-85 crore spent on this work could be deposited in the bank. Government would have got good interest on this,” he said.
Independent MLA Vijai Sardesai, referring to an international study, alleged the cement carpeting of the road was unhealthy. “Who gave you this idea when an international study has termed it as unhealthy? Even the Mumbai municipality has rectified its roads,” he told the House hinting at corruption.
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar objected to the question submitting that he was willing to table all the related papers. “I am perfectly transparent on the subject and ready to submit all the papers in the House. You are free to challenge it later,” he said.
Taleigao MLA Jennifer Monserrate questioned whether there existed any penalty clause for delaying the work and targeted the government over its failure to complete the work in time. Parsekar then assured the Assembly of completing the road by August-September 2016.
On cost of the project, Parsekar maintained it at Rs 84.63 crore that includes consultancy fees, contingencies and development charges. While the amount paid to the contractor till date is Rs 30.35 crore approximately.
