Govt spends Rs 16,000 to repair one pothole, Rs 40 lakh on ladoos: Vijai
PANAJI: Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai raised the issue of the "exorbitant cost" of repairing potholes on roads through jet patchers in the Assembly on Wednesday. "We finally know the cost of repairing one pothole. It is Rs 16,000. The Govt spent Rs 30.52 crore to repair 18,899 potholes using the jet patcher. Ek khaddo sarko karpak, govt spent Rs 16,000. Full loot on! They are not even sparing a khaddo (Rs 16,000 is being spent to repair one pothole. Full loot on! They are not even sparing a pothole)," Sardesai said.
The MLA also criticized the government's extravagant spending on events while it continues to accumulate debt. Sardesai highlighted the government's expenditure on various protocols since 2022, revealing that Rs 4.32 crore has been spent on the transportation of VIPs, Rs 1.33 crore was spent on five-star hotel stays, and Rs. 1.7 crore on catering services. Sardesai also expressed shock over the Rs. 40.03 lakh spent specifically on ladoos (sweets). "The government is taking loans on one hand while spending lavishly on festivals and events on the other. It is shocking to see that Rs 40 lakh has been spent on ladoos alone. This is an example of misplaced priorities," Sardesai said.
Permissions for Panaji-Reis Magos ropeway project still pending
PANAJI: Over six months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the long-awaited ropeway project from Panaji to Reis Magos, the Tourism Department is still in the process of obtaining the necessary permissions to begin construction. The project is estimated to cost Rs 225 crores.
“The process of obtaining necessary permissions/clearances as required for the construction of the ropeway project is in progress. After receipt of all the permissions/clearances required for construction work, the project shall be completed within the stipulated period of two years,” Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said in response to LAQ tabled by MLA Kedar Naik. The minister reiterated that the actual construction work will commence only after all required permissions and clearances are obtained.
Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the project on February 6, a day after which the cabinet approved the transfer of 400 square metres of government land worth Rs 24 lakh to the Tourism Department.
Yeh kya ho raha hai? Drugs are reaching everywhere: Venzy
PANAJI: Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas has voiced strong concerns about the rising issues of gambling, drug abuse, and youth involvement in casinos in Goa. "What is happening in Goa? We are witnessing gambling everywhere, drugs reaching schools, and youth frequenting casinos. If these activities are to be part of the state, then they should be legalized. It is better to regulate them legally rather than letting them continue illegally," Viegas said. He also criticized the police for their lack of effectiveness in handling these issues. "The police are supposed to protect the public, but they are failing in their duties. There have been instances of police harassing the public. Their salaries are paid by taxpayers' money, and they need to show discipline and fulfill their responsibilities properly," Viegas added.
Sudin was better PWD Minister: Babush
PANAJI: Panaji MLA Babush Monserrate commented on the deteriorating road conditions in the city, stating that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department (PWD). "Road maintenance is the responsibility of the PWD, not mine. We also drive on these roads and face the same problems. The department should focus on repairing them. I am not a technical expert, but the PWD is under the Chief Minister, who will address these concerns," Monserrate said.
When questioned by the media about why hot-mixed roads are being washed away, Monserrate responded, "I have no control over this issue; it is the PWD’s responsibility to investigate why the roads are washing away. Bad roads are a widespread problem, affecting everyone, including myself. I now feel that Sudin Dhavalikar was better suited as the PWD Minister," he added.
Tourism Minister defends Unity Mall project in Chimbel
PANAJI: Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte defended the proposed Unity Mall in Chimbel, describing it as a Central government project that will not be situated in a sensitive area. Khaunte emphasized that the mall will create employment opportunities and support local artisans.
"We need to engage with stakeholders to explain the benefits of this project. The Unity Mall will be a significant development that will not only provide jobs but also aid local craftsmen. We are committed to discussing the project thoroughly with the community," Khaunte stated.
Not just roads, but people also got washed away by rains: Dhavalikar
PANAJI: Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar addressed concerns about the poor road conditions and recent flooding in the State in the Assembly on Wednesday. "It's not just the roads that are affected; people have also been washed away due to this year's heavy rains. We've witnessed similar situations in other States," Dhavalikar said.
Cabral demands coordination between depts on road digging for works
PANAJI: MLA Nilesh Cabral has called for better coordination between the Electricity Department and the Public Works Department (PWD) when laying underground cables or digging roads. "There should be coordination between the Electricity Department and PWD. Before any road digging, PWD should conduct an estimate and issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC)," Cabral said.
Addressing concerns about road conditions, Cabral added, "Roads in my constituency have not been washed away. I cannot comment on other constituencies. However, if there are any potholes, my team and I directly report them through the PWD app, which are then patched by the Jet Patcher."
There should be chip registration system for dogs: MLA Arolkar
PANAJI: Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar has proposed the introduction of a chip registration system for dogs, to be managed by the Animal Husbandry Department. The initiative is designed to promote responsible pet ownership, improve animal tracking, and enhance overall canine welfare. Under this system, each dog would be implanted with a microchip linked to their respective owners, providing a reliable method for tracking and identifying pets. Arolkar's proposal aims to ensure better management of dogs and improve their overall care and safety.
