Parrikar issues instructions to PWD after Caitu takes up issue
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: A day after PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar threw open the controversial Assolna-Cavelossim bridge for traffic amidst boycotts and protests over the incomplete approach road, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday is learnt to have issued instructions to restrict the bridge for two-wheelers only.
Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva, who took up the issue of Sunday’s hasty bridge inauguration with the Chief Minister, told Herald that Parrikar has issued instructions to the PWD officials to bar four-wheeler traffic on the bridge till the completion of the approach road on the Cavelossim side.
The action by the Benaulim MLA came after he had a meeting with the agitated villagers at the Cavelossim panchayat ghar on Monday morning. The villagers maintained that the bridge inauguration in the absence of the approach road will only result in accidents and demanded closure of traffic on the bridge. A suggestion was made to the MLA to ensure that the bridge is restricted only for two-wheelers till the completion of the approach road. The Cavelossim panchayat has also asked the MLA to ensure that the government does not withdraw the ferry service till the completion of the approach road.
The Benaulim MLA, who had boycotted the bridge inauguration along with the Cavelossim panchayat body, said it was foolish to throw open the bridge when work on the approach road remains incomplete. “I have conveyed the sentiments of Cavelossim villagers to the Chief Minister. He has promised to issue instructions to the PWD to restrict the bridge to two-wheelers only”, Caitu said.
While inaugurating the bridge on Sunday, the PWD Minister had promised to complete the road works by March 20, but his assurances had no takers amongst the villagers, who had demanded postponement of the opening of the bridge till the completion of the approach road.
