MARGAO: Leader of Opposition, Yuri Alemao, has criticised the government’s decision to spend Rs two crore on the inauguration of the second phase of the Zuari Bridge and has urged them to divert these funds for the much-needed repair of the Margao bus stand. Alemao stated that the expenditure on the inauguration event is wasteful and could be better utilised for essential infrastructure repairs.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari is scheduled to inaugurate the second phase of the new Zuari Bridge on December 22.
“The reply given to me in the last Assembly Session reveals that two crores were spent on the inaugural function of the first phase of the new Zuari Bridge. This is complete misuse of taxpayer’s money by the irresponsible BJP government. CM Pramod Sawant needs to focus on austerity measures when the total liability on the State has reached Rs 35,000 crore,” said Alemao.
“BJP government has always given step motherly treatment to South Goa and especially Salcete taluka. Margao Bus Stand contributes to the revenue of the government. The government earned a profit of Rs 1.93 crore in the last four years from this Bus Stand. Unfortunately, the BJP government has failed in the upkeep of the bus shed and maintainance of the bus stand,” Alemao added.
“The Congress government laid the foundation stone for the ‘ultra-modern transport hub’ at Margao in June 2011. Unfortunately the BJP government shelved the project for reasons best known to them,” said Alemao.
“The Margao bus Stand is in a mess with no proper toilets and washrooms. There is no proper sitting arrangement for passengers, especially senior citizens and persons with disabilities, as most of the benches are broken or damaged. The shed is in dilapidated condition posing risk to the passengers,” Alemao pointed out.
