Benaulim resident fights PWD for retaining wall repairs

THE GOAN NETWORK

MARGAO

It’s now close to two months since the Margao western bypass has been commissioned in December, but this resident of Benaulim has been running from pillar to post to get the PWD authorities to repair his retaining wall left damaged during the construction of the bypass.

Antonio Savio Gomes has further feared that his property will get washed out in the river Sal since the natural flow of the nullah has been altered and diverted through his property during the bypass construction.

Meetings held by Antonio with senior PWD, NH officials and his correspondence with the PWD has failed to change the ground reality.

Incidentally, the Benaulim villager had sought information under the RTI Act over the damaged caused to his retaining wall beyond the government acquired area and the diversion of the existing nullah through his property.

“I have received a reply under the RTI saying that the PWD, NH’s Rajesh T Gaude has written to the bypass contractor, M V Rao seeking comments on my questions. I have been knocking the doors of the PWD, NH for last several months to repair my retaining wall, but in vain”, Antonio said.

In his correspondence, Antonio pointed out that at the time of the construction of the bypass, the laterite stone retaining wall that exists at the western portion of the property has been damaged by the contractors. This damaged wall does not come under the area acquired for the purpose of construction of the National Highway. Yet, on account of the carelessness, the retaining wall has been damaged”, he said.