TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Considering that several bridges constructed by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) are in urgent need of repairs and maintenance, the Corporation has decided to appoint a consultant to undertake the mammoth task of maintaining close to 24 such bridges across the State.
Presently, the bridges which have been handed over for maintenance to the Public Works Department after being constructed by the GSIDC, are in poor condition and many are in need of urgent repairs.
Official sources in the GSIDC said that an approval has been given to this proposal by the Board and bids would shortly be invited for appointing a consultant to undertake this major exercise.
The target is to complete the maintenance works by May 2014, particularly of those bridges which need immediate repairs and major works which is targeted for completion before the next monsoon season.
Some of the bridges on the list include the new Patto bridge in Panjim, the cable stayed Aldona-Corjuem bridge, bridges at Sanvordem, Khareband, Rawalfond, Ozrim, bridge over Khushawati River, St Jacinta Island bridge among others.
“The consultant will have to prepare a report and furnish estimates after which tenders will be floated for initiating the works,” said corporation sources.
Reports are that the government is unhappy over the maintenance work done by the PWD on the GSIDC constructed bridges and has decided that the corporation takes over the maintenance works.
Most of the bridges have been constructed by the corporation since 2004.
The GSIDC also has on its list another 10 to 12 new bridges for construction within the next couple of months. The government is toying with the idea of entrusting the maintenance works of all these bridges as and when constructed to the corporation itself.
