ORLIM: Collapsing of the under- construction pathway-cum-retaining wall near the centuries old St Micheal Church, Orlim, undertaken by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) on Wednesday morning raised questions regarding whether those responsible will be held accountable for the loss of public funds.
Speaking to Herald, the parish priest Fr Roger ‘Raju’ Godinho, OP exclaimed, “My only concern is this, we being in Goa and the local contractors and engineers based in Goa then why we cannot understand the environmental conditions of Goa? Even illiterate people would be aware that water will come down and soak the mud and pressurise the wall. The walls are not built technically as there are no beams, no pillars, etc. In May, I had clearly told the engineer to ensure that enough water is poured into the mud so that it tightens in the same manner the roads are constructed which he never paid heed to. On top of the mud, they put the slab which sunk though I had instructed them when they laid the pavers which they did not do instead they put the concrete on top so water went inside and the mud became soft. No walls can maintain the water so my query is do we understand that we have to work as per the conditions of Goa’s climate?”
“My second point is when the rains commenced, why didn’t the engineer inspect the ongoing work at the site? Why were there none of the contractor’s workers present instead of the sub-contractor’s labour who were present and have nothing to do with it? The engineer should have been present when it is raining heavily. My third question is who is taking the responsibility of the wastage of public funds? So my questions posed to the authorities are as follows. When you undertake a project in Goa, do you not understand the environmental conditions of Goa? Why was the engineer not present to supervise the project during the heavy rains? Who is taking the responsibility of wastage of public money?” inquired Fr Godinho, OP adding that once monsoons commenced, there’s a halt to all ongoing construction work.
