MARGAO: A group of Margao citizens expressed concerns on Saturday, highlighting the growing problem of unplanned development in the area, leading to reduced road widths and increased traffic congestion. They called for transparency and accountability in the utilisation of public funds for development projects.
Savio Coutinho, former MMC Chairperson, strongly condemned Margao MLA Digamber Kamat’s accusations against their citizen’s NGO, Shadow Council. Coutinho challenged Kamat to file an FIR against those responsible for defrauding the municipal treasury, and to prove his lack of involvement in recent fraudulent beautification work inaugurated by him.
Coutinho pointed out that just four months ago, during a foundation stone ceremony in Margao, Kamat had confidently dismissed news reports about subpar work in his constituency. However, now that citizens are exposing fraudulent activities, Kamat has resorted to making allegations out of desperation when he cannot provide satisfactory explanations, alleged Coutinho.
Coutinho highlighted recent controversies, including the construction of a drain behind ESI Hospital, which cost Rs 81 lakh in public funds, and payments for beautification work at Gomant Vidya Niketan that were never executed as promised.
He called for an inquiry into the demarcation of a 10-metre road by Urban Development Minister Vishwajit Rane.
Mahesh Naik, another Margao local, demanded action against engineers responsible for deviating from the work schedule and authorising payments for uncompleted projects.
Coutinho also criticised the Margao MLA’s contradictory stance, where he claimed ignorance about the plans for a restaurant within the upcoming pay parking complex, but advocated for the commercial premises in the parking lot, indicating his inclination toward setting up a restaurant in the facility.
