After the officially proclaimed May 31, 2024 deadline for completion of Smart City works went up in smoke, yet another deadline of June 10 was declared for completion of the Caculo Mall to Sewage Treatment Plant, Tonca stretch. Will Panjimites be able to heave a sigh of relief come June 10?
Panjimites have to gear up for severe hardships during the coming monsoons, since the Smart City works are much behind deadlines the new June 10 deadline. Our reporter walked round the City to find that the footpaths, drains and laying of service lines are all in a mess, which will lead to severe flooding and harrow time for people. But the road works at Caculo Mall circle, the footpaths upto Sewage Treatment Plant, Tonca, and the footpath and drain works by the St Inez to Crematorium road, may take time. But all Smart City works will only be completed by May 2025, according to a former Mayor and present councilor.
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“The monsoons have not started with full flourish. But even if it rains heavily for two hours, people can face dire consequences, including flooding of the roads,” former Mayor Uday Madkaikar warned. “Everyone knew that the May 31, 2024 deadline would not be met. Although they extended the deadline by 10 days, the junction at Caculo Mall is still not completed. That may take another 8 days. The concreting work is on, but curing will take some time. I’m sure they will not be able to do the drains and footpath work during the monsoons.”
He contended that the work may be halted for about three months and may start only after the rains. “Even the work from Caculo Mall to STP, Tonca will take time. I think that all the Smart City works will be completed only by May 31, 2025.”
The Smart City works at Ribandar area have been completed. But Shivanand, a motorcycle taxi operator said that the roads are not properly tarred. “We have lost customers. People do not wish to hire motorcycles since the Ribandar patched up road is bumpy.”
When contacted, IPSCDL Chief General Manager Eduardo Pereira said, “We are attempting to complete the works. Friday night we are concreting the Caculo Mall junction with pavement quality cement. This will allow free movement of traffic. The only stretch which is left is the Caculo Mall to Tad-Mad Shrine which is a 150 metre stretch.”
When quizzed about the mounds of mud piled up at the door steps of shops and residential complexes including the government quarters, St Inez, Pereira contended, “I know about it. It will be removed immediately.” When pointed out that drains, footpaths and laying of service lines was incomplete on the two stretches from St Inez Hotel Sheetal junction of Caculo Mall and from the same junction to Crematorium, Pereira argued, “The drains are done. The news is not correct. Only the ancillary works such as footpaths and laying of service lines are going on side by side. But these will not affect traffic.” He denied that there would be flooding in the area.
As former Mayor Uday Madkaikar said, “There are points where Panjim always gets flooded and with Smart City works, the situation can get worse.”
So Panjimites better gear up for a tough ride and calm nerves on the city roads this monsoon.
