PANJIM: The road opposite Shree Mahalaxmi Temple in the heart of Panjim city which was tarred weeks back has been dug up by the contractor executing the work reportedly for construction of storm water drains under the Smart City Mission.
This is yet another example which proves that there is a lack of coordination between the government departments and agencies who are currently executing different infrastructure works in the State’s capital city.
Around 10 metre stretch in the centre of the newly tarred road has been excavated for the construction of storm water drains.
Political activist Cecille Rodrigues said that frequent digging of roads is a ‘menace’ to the local residents.
“There is no coordination of work between Smart City agencies, PWD and G20 which in turn create a lot of inconvenience to the public and there is wastage of public money. There is no proper planning and no proper execution. The local MLA has washed his hands off and there is no one to take responsibility for the shoddy ongoing works,” Rodrigues said.
Social Activist Mahesh Mhambrey said that there is a lack of professionalism and expertise with the agencies executing the Smart City works.
“Smart City Mission is aimed at resolving civic issues through technology professionalism etc. but what we see is that ever since this mission was implemented the people are suffering,” Mhambrey said.
“Same road stretches in the city are dug up again and again causing great inconvenience to city residents. There is no supervision of ongoing works and there are no quality checks carried out,” he added.
A representative of the agency executing the work of storm drains on the site said they were just following the instructions of the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) and carrying out the work.
Contact could not be established with the IPSCDL officers for their comments.
