SHWETA KAMAT
shweta@herald-goa.com
Ward No 10, housing the Miramar area has very little to complain about. The sitting councillor for the last 20 years, Surendra Furtado has provided all the basic amenities with much needed development in this plush ward. Furtado’s contender- BJP backed Gaurish Dhond, too appreciates the work undertaken by his rival- but at the same time, Dhond, being from the BJP- is looking at the “opportunity” considering that the saffron party is ruling both at the State and Centre.
Apart from tar roads and proper traffic management at the main road and 24×7 water supplies, the locals here have no major grievance to talk about.
“The Councillor has done good work. We cannot ignore that. His work is for every category of people like gardens and children’s parks for kids, gardens for senior citizens, gym service etc. Even during his tenure as Mayor he did a good job, wherein he managed to get funds for city development,” Ronaldo Fernandes, a youngster from the ward said.
“Furtado has been a councillor for the past four tenures and yes he has done a good job. But this election will give us a clear picture whether a change can work for the ward or if Furtado is the only option,” a voter in his early 60s, requesting anonymity told Herald.
A close look at the ward, gives a clear sign of the work done for the last 20 years- be it beautification of the area, new gardens, pavements or other amenities. People speak about nearly 10 new gardens and a football ground developed by their councillor. The councillor has also beautified the lake at Lake View Colony.
With two heavyweights in the election ring, it would be interesting to see who manage to win the voters’ confidence. In the triangular fight, Ricky Fernandes backed by Congress is also contesting from the ward.
