PANJIM: The Goa government, on behalf of Imagine Panjim Smart City Development Ltd had submitted before the High Court that the road works in Panjim would be complete by Mach 31, 2025. Seeing the condition of Panjim roads, Herald Media asked people, do you think the government kept its promise of completing Smart city roads by March 31?
Is there a government in place, or is this a joke on the people? All this work should be immediately stopped. The work is incomplete, especially at the Café Bhosle square. Do they feel that there is no one to question them? Do the Panjimites have to go to the Court again and again? And if the Court gives the directions, what is the use of the Smart City Officials? What is the use of the government? All the work should be stopped, the debris should be cleared and stop this nuisance and nonsense, since it has not improved the lives of the citizens of Panjim and the entire state of Goa. Smart City is only an expenditure of funds, it is a waste of public funds, without any accountability and responsibility. No one knows what is going on and above all it is poor quality work.
Rui Ferreira, Advocate
They have not met the deadline today, nor have they kept the deadlines fixed earlier. I think that Smart City has assured at least 10 times previously, to complete the project. Now they are saying they will complete the roads. Till now what have they done? Only footpaths and drainages. The roads should have been made of concrete, instead they have just put a layer of tar. Why do people have to suffer all the time? Because they promised to do good work, people gave them time. So much time you can’t imagine. Do you know who is suffering ? Those living in Panjim, the businessmen and the senior citizens and children are suffering due to pollution. Secondly, there is noise pollution. Thirdly, and most importantly there is no place for parking.
Tanoj Adwalpalkar Social Activist
The answer to the question whether they have completed the work on time, I’m giving you right from the site. The Smart City work is being done with tools of the year 1947. There is not smart or modern equipment being used by the Smart City contractor. Today engineering has taken rapid strides. Civil engineering is using advanced equipment. Work which can be used in 15 days is taking months since they are using age old tools and hired labourers. The contractor should be immediately penalized since he has crossed the time limit. The contractor has underestimated the government and taken it for granted. There is no supervision, do you see any supervisors here? The work is left to the wisdom of daily wage labourers.
Mariano Ferrao, Social Activist