Team Herald
CANACONA: PWD Chief Engineer Umesh Kulkarni inspected Mashem Bridge following allegations of improper design of the retaining wall.
The inspection was carried out in the presence of Canacona MLA and Deputy Speaker Isidore Fernandes, Executive Engineer Laxmikant Naik, Assistant Engineer Subash Pagui, Junior Engineer Nagraj and representatives of the project contractor.
Canacona MLA Isidore Fernandes assured the locals that the PWD would take a written assurance from the authorities who are involved in the construction of this link.
Concerned citizens have pointed out to the flaws in the approved drawings of the retaining wall on the Southern side of the Mashem River.
It may be recalled that the work of the Mashem-Char Rasta bypass link which started in December 2015 was to complete within two years.
With some of the concerned citizens from Loliem approaching High Court and other difficulties, the link, which has been marred by controversies, has missed many deadlines set by the NH authorities.
There is a public interest litigation filed in High court by a citizen of Loliem accusing the PWD and contractor for filling over 10 thousand sq mts of Mashem creek with earth amongst other irregularities. The chief minister during the inspection of the link in June had declared that the road will be thrown open for traffic on July 20. The collapse of the gabion wall linking the bridge to the land mass on the southern side last month has delayed the inauguration by at least two months say the officials.
Some locals say that the work should be undertaken at a fast pace and the road should be thrown open to traffic as nearly as possible.
The environment conscious locals say the road is a necessity but laws and guidelines should be followed properly.
The villagers are divided with one group saying that the wall being replaced by cement concrete is unsafe as it is superficial and with no foundation it is going to collapse sooner or later.
Another group of villagers who are running out of patience are asking the authorities to expedite the work and commission the 7.74 kms link which will save them the distance of travelling additional 10 kms.
NH authorities said the work is going on as per engineering procurement and construction model.
The authorities have approved the designs and drawings of the entire road which has two bridges and there is absolutely no worry as far as the safety of the bridges and the other part of the link is concerned.
