Quality control
According to a recent newspaper report, it is alleged that corroded steel bars are being used by the contractor in the construction of the upcoming Mandovi bridge in Panaji. This is a serious matter which cannot be expected from a contractor of international repute and should not be dismissed lightly, even though the ‘Goa State Infastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has sought to downplay the allegations as “superficial rust”. It is also not known how the consultants have not insisted on epoxy coating of the steel bars prior to use. This is the prime requirement for rust prevention and is mandatory for all large projects. For that matter even the steel arriving on site cannot be stored on the ground and has to be paced across specially erected pedestals to prevent ground contamination. It is hoped that stricter supervision and quality control is carried out in future, lest we see history repeating itself with another bridge collapse.
A F Nazareth, Porvorim
Vasco will remain Vasco da Gama
For the last 40 years or so, this issue of re-naming Vasco da Gama into Sambhaji Nagar was long dead and laid to rest. The very fact that the issue is being revived through the back door speaks volumes of a well hatched plan. If the same is as per the Government records, as claimed earlier by the Director Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs that some pockets were named as Sambhaji since 1971 then how come the name Sambhaji Nagar was not indicated in the ration cards when they were issued fresh in 2007-2008 by the same department? Can the Director Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs give us a convincing and justifiable answer?
Surely, it cannot be a printing mistake or an oversight error. There is much more to it, than what meets the eye. We have not reacted undemocratically to the fact that successive governments have utterly neglected and treated this town like an orphaned child, but when it comes to issues that touch our sentiments and heart we have the gumption to stand up united and speak in one voice to oppose any evil design and seek justice.
Daniel F de Souza , Vasco da Gama
Fortifying tourism
I’m very glad to know that Mormugao MLA & Power Minister (Mr. Milind Naik) has lately proposed to utilize a hillock site located at Mormugao Harbour as a tourist spot. In the same manner, there is a beautiful fort in Mormugao that needs basic revamping works with the least expenditure. This scenic and serene location is the fort situated down below, near the sea, on the left side of National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCOAR) at Headland Sada, (interestingly, the NH17B highway under construction is also a few metres away from it) and this fort serves as a popular fishing spot among locals, which can be easily developed into a hot tourist spot. The fort also provides a beautiful view of the Baina beach, Pequeno Island (Bat Island) and Grande Island, but the footpath surrounded with beautiful greenery that leads to this spot needs to be developed
Augustus Alphonso, Vasco Da Gama
