Around 700 unused water tanks were found dumped at a PWD yard in Sancoale bringing to the fore the roars in 2011 of a 'scam'. It appears that more than a decade later, the issue is forgotten and so are the tanks.
The story goes back in time to 2011 when an FIR was filed against former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao based on the CAG report that pointed to an illegality in the purchase of the tanks. Alemao and five officers of the department were accused of bypassing the rules while purchasing 6,511 water tanks at a cost of Rs 1.45 crore. It was alleged that the water tanks were bought at a price of almost 30 per cent cost estimated by the department. The distribution of tanks was halted midway. Alemao defended his decision on the floor of the House then, claiming they were meant for BPL families and those residing in upper terrains, and challenged the Opposition to prove the charges.
Goa has been constantly going through a water crisis with people in remote areas and even those residing in Mapusa and surrounding areas facing uncertainty of supply. From an assurance of 24x7 water supply, residents now have to be content with a 2-hour supply with storage becoming a crucial component for relief. It is sad that while people are scurrying for water storage moving with buckets and utensils in tow, water tanks meant for public use lay abandoned in a yard because of the ongoing investigation. That's the plain contrast, but that's not the crux of the issue.
The incident highlights the grim reality that takes us down the long unwinding road of investigations. A corruption probe by the Anti-Corruption Branch, Goa Police and another investigation undertaken by the Vigilance Department has not been conclusive, or rather, the status of the probes remains unknown. It appears that, just like the water tanks, authorities have long forgotten the trail of the case.
This case is a bleak reflection of our prolonged justice system, even as the adage goes - justice delayed is justice denied. It may be recalled the central vigilance commission had directed ministries and departments of all State governments to strictly adhere to prescribed time limits in cases and has held that undue delay provides opportunities for a corrupt public servant to indulge in inappropriate activities and also could be detrimental to an honest public servant who is named in the case.
A delay of over 13 years is unacceptable and only reinforces the theory that investigation agencies are used as tools to settle political scores or soothe opposition tempers. Nonetheless, the onus is on the ACB and Vigilance to explain such a delay because public confidence in them is fast eroding against the backdrop of this trend of abruptly initiating selective probes.
Lastly, even if there was a status quo on tanks given the ongoing investigation, authorities should have ensured that these tanks were stored appropriately. Dumping them out in the open at the Sancoale yard not only shows carelessness but reflects an acute sense of apathy.
It’s high time those at the helm refresh their memory and seek a status report. The very fact that high-ranking officials are asking for time to study the matter amplifies the fact that the case is long forgotten. Whichever way one looks at it, finally it is about public money and public utility. The State government must explain where the issue stands.
