Team Herald
PANJIM: The upgradation of the Santa Cruz ground has come up against a hurdle in the form of a former MLA seeking a vigilance inquiry for violating procedures on laying of the artificial turf on the ground.
Victor Gonsalves, the former MLA of St Cruz, has written to Sanjay Kothari Chief Vigilance Commissioner of the Central Vigilance Commission New Delhi. “Three firms were qualified after re-tendering of the contract. The lowest firm withdrew from the bid and another firm (the second lowest bidder) has been awarded the contract for Rs 4.90 cr,” said Gonsalves, who, at present, is the vice-president, Goa Legislative Forum Assembly complex, Porvorim.
In his letter to Kothari, Gonsalves stated, “The company allotted the St Cruz contract has laid the astro turf at Mapusa Sports Complex and the Goa government failed to verify the quality. The Indian Hockey Federation officials after a meeting found out that the turf installed at Mapusa is substandard and directed the State Commission to get the turf replaced after the matter was brought to the notice of the Indian Olympic Association.”
It may be recalled that Goa’s CM laid the foundation stone for the ground upgradation on Aug 16 in the presence of the local MLA, sports minister and other dignitaries. The CM assured “the government will be completing the upgradation within a year.”
Gonsalves questioned, “How the same company which has laid the substandard turf at Mapusa which has been rejected by the IOA, been given the contract for laying astro turf at the St Cruz ground.”
Herald had carried a news item on Feb 3, 2021, ‘Interested bidders cry foul over Santa Cruz ground upgradation’.
“The Sports Secretary should be held responsible for the loss to the Goa government of Rs 1.9 cr. The contract has been allotted to a firm for Rs 4.90 cr instead of giving it to a firm which had quoted Rs 4.24 cr,” said the former St Cruz MLA.
