Team Herald
PORVORIM: In an unexpected move both the ruling and the opposition MLAs on Wednesday cornered the PWD Minister Ramkrishna ‘Sudin’ Dhavalikar over non-completion of various developmental projects across various constituencies.
Following the criticism, the PWD Minister assured to sanction Rs 18 crore (Rs 15 crore planned works and Rs 3 crore non-planned works) per constituency before March 2018.
Opposition Leader Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar had moved the calling attention concerning that the “partisan” attitude of the government in not attending to the developmental works ought to be completed before the arrival of the monsoon in the opposition constituencies in spite of the MLAs submitting their priorities.
“Monsoon is approaching but still no work is done, also there are no new tenders and work orders. The files are just pending not only in the opposition but also in ruling constituencies as they are also complaining the same. The Chief Minister had given us an assurance that Rs 25 crore for planned work and Rs 3 crore for non–planned work would be sanctioned but the files are just pending,” said Kavlekar.
Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo said, “In my constituency till now only works of Rs 25 crore are done but simultaneously I was shocked that this is not only happening with the opposition MLAs but also with the ruling ones. Development is a continuous process as far as tenders are concerned. There are a lot of works which are pending my constituency, which should be taken up.”
Benaulim MLA Churchill MLA too expressed dissatisfaction over non-completion of various development works stating that the files should be cleared fast in a bid that the works are not delayed.
“I was also the PWD Minister earlier and I am aware of the situation but files should not be kept pending and must be cleared otherwise work is hindered,” Alemao said.
However, trying to pacify the MLAs, PWD Minister said that several works in all the constituencies are in progress and will ensure that they are completed preferably before the arrival of the monsoon as far as critical activities are concerned especially in respect of the hot mix works.
“The proposals in all sectors such as roads, water supply, buildings and sewerage are mooted and have been processed for approvals and targeted for commencement before the monsoon. These works have been planned by taking into confidence all the elected representatives who have accorded priorities,” said Dhavalikar.
Meanwhile, St Andre MLA Francisco Silveira said all the estimates had already been prepared for developmental works in his constituency but no works were tendered.
“Today, maximum estimates have been already been prepared for developmental works in my constituency but no works have been taken as yet. Today, water issue is affecting the people in my constituency and it should be sorted fast. Also roads need to be repaired before the monsoons,” said Silveira.
Velim MLA Filipe Neri Rodrigues said the introduction of GST got various developmental works delayed. “The works should not be delayed due to GST. It is also the priority of the PWD department to carry out annual maintenance on a timely basis but like every year nothing has been done, be it water issues, road repairs or developmental projects.”
