Independents release election manifesto

PANJIM, MARCH 9
It’s not just two panels that are in the fray for election to the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) that have released manifestos but some candidates in their individual capacity too have come out with manifestos.
Surendra Furtado and Ruth Furtado representing wards IX and X, respectively, Rui Ferrira social activist lawyers who has been supported by the NCP panel as well Adv Aires Rodrigues who is contesting from ward XXX have released manifestos.
While the manifesto of Adv Rodrigues is limited to his ward XXX which forms part of Ribandar, Ferreira highlights broader issues affecting the city.
Adv Rodrigues feels his ward which is located five kms away from Panjim has been conveniently left neglected for many years now.
“The step motherly treatment of Ribandar can no longer be allowed or tolerated. It is our right to be heard and our needs to be met.” he pointed out in his manifesto observing that he shall endeavour to make his ward better.
He believes the CCP should have branch office in Ribandar so that the locals need not travel to Panjim with their grievances and promises to have CCP branch in Ribandar.
He has promised to build market, childrens’ park and a public library for Ribandar and more such developmental works for his ward.
On the other hand Ferreira through his manifesto commit himself to fight and strive to obtain certain works done on priority basis in his ward as well as other parts of the city.
He wants that the disaster management cell of the North Goa district should be made proactive so that landslides in the ward avoided. He is contesting from ward XVI.
He has also promised to make Panjim garbage and plastic free and to pursue for a garbage treatment plant.
He has also assured to work on priority basis to construct a footpath beginning from Altinho hill upto the base of the hill near the Panjim Church joining the Corte de Oiteiro footpath to facilitate the free and smooth movement of pedestrians and vehicular traffic on the busy VIP Altinho road.
His manifesto also talks about pursuing and procuring funds allotted by the Centre for the development of Panjim and to arrange funds for the maintenance of heritage homes from CCP.
He has also promised to work to cut exorbitant increase in house tax and other levis imposed on the residents.