PANJIM: Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS on Thursday said that he had no problem if a third party conducted an audit of Smart City works.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “If the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) wants to conduct an audit of Smart City’s works. Let them conduct. I will pay. I would not have come transparent to you. I studied this issue for three months. I am ready for an audit. It will help me. But I do not want to do that audit. Let the third party do that audit. If the government feels that an audit is to be done then please do. If you think that I have taken the charge and working diligently, accept it.”
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“Just making noise over an audit is not enough. There are standard operating procedures for the audit. What is the scope of the audit? If the auditor is to be appointed and we have to pay then Smart City is willing to pay. CCP can resolve and go to the government to appoint an auditor. I will welcome the auditor. I will welcome the audit on me. It will keep me on my toes. I am committed to deliver the work given to me,” Rodrigues said.
Noisy scene was witnessed at the CCP meeting on Wednesday with councillors demanding audit and inquiry in the Smart City works.
Former CCP mayor and present councillor Uday Madkaikar pressed for investigation by the government against the consultant who, he alleged, was nowhere to be seen after receiving Rs 8 crore in terms of payment. He had also demanded that the quality of the work be checked before the project bills are approved.
