“I would say it is an embarrassment to the political class and a big embarrassment to Goans. We always thought that Goans were out of such things,” D’Souza told reporters outside the Legislative Assembly complex.
D’Souza said the case is a serious affair, which has forced the scrutiny of all such projects. “It is a very serious affair I don’t know why it happened that way. There should be scrutiny of all the projects. The public should have confidence that things are done in a right way,” he said.
He, however, said he would offer comments on the issue only after Crime Branch submits its final report. “There has to be final report by the Crime Branch, only then we will be able to ascertain who has done what. Based on your information I cannot make a comment. I would rather prefer to go on Crime Branch report. Let the report come, let it be in public domain,” he said.
, responding to a question.
Meanwhile, PWD Minister Ramakrishna Dhavalikar said the ongoing controversy would have no impact on the JICA water argumentation and sewerage projects currently inching closer towards completion.
“The project work will go on. There is no problem in the project completion of JICA,” he said. Dhavalikar said 90 per cent of the works on water augmentation has been executed while 60-65 per cent work on the sewerage line has been completed.
“Total 100 MLD water treatment plant at Sanguem will be completed by September 2016, which will provide water to entire South Goa district by December 2016,” the minister said.
The Crime Branch is currently investigating into the bribery case wherein US company officials have admitted to bribe an Indian minister to win consultancy for Water Augmentation and Sewerage line laying under JICA.
