PANJIM: Parents and students are facing great inconvenience at the integrated school complex in Cujira as the footpath construction work has remained incomplete.
When O Heraldo team visited the complex on Monday afternoon, it was found that the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (GSIDC) appointed contractor executing the work had abandoned the site. Paver blocks and other construction materials were lying along one of the two lanes within the school complex. A portion of the second lane stretch has been excavated and rain water was accumulated leaving little space. Students and parents were forced to walk on the road even as four-wheelers and two-wheelers were seen plying on the same stretch.
It was observed that nails sticking out of pieces of waste wood used in construction were lying near the entrance of Dr K B Hedgewar High School which poses a threat to parents, students and school staff. The construction work of a small shelter opposite the same school is also half done including the work of installing roof sheets.
“Why did the government fail to complete the construction work of the footpath during summer vacation? We are facing inconvenience…what if someone falls down and breaks his/her hands and legs? Who should be held responsible? I request the government to complete the pending work at the earliest,” Sandesh Mashelkar, a parent, said.
Chandan Shetye, another parent, said, “Incomplete work has led to traffic congestion in the school complex. I feel the education department should step in to ensure the safety of students. The department or the agency who has failed in their duties should be held responsible for any untoward incident.”
A principal of a Cujira-based school pointed out that there is no significant progress of the work undertaken by GSIDC.
“Parents and students have brought to our notice about the difficulties which they are facing and we have verbally communicated their grievances to the official concerned of the GSIDC. We request the government to look into this and ensure that the pending work is taken up on war footing and completed at the earliest,” he said.
When contacted Harish Adconkar, Managing Director (MD) of GSIDC said that he is aware about the difficulties faced by parents and students.
“I held a meeting with the contractor the other day and asked him to expedite the work. The whole issue sometimes crops up because during the rainy season laborers don’t turn up. I have already informed the contractor and told him that we need to ensure that the work is completed soon.”
When asked why the contractor has abandoned the site without completing the construction work of the footpath, Adconkar claimed that the site had not been abandoned by the contractor.
“It’s not that work is not going on. We have to work only during the second half of the day because during school hours we cannot work, so the contractor will be concentrating on the area in front of the office of Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) then he will cover the outer areas,” the GSIDC MD said.
