Response to demand
for accountability
"Every day the newspapers and TV channels carry reports of roads that have been damaged due to indiscriminate digging, improper repairs, potholes etc. All these reports, if examined , would point out the poor quality of work and use of materials by the concerned contractors who have been allotted the job by the concerned department or agency.
However, the road user can either grumble about the poor quality of work and materials, criticize the authorities for lack of supervision or even corruption, or file a complaint for deficiency of service under the Consumer Protection Act 2019.
The Public Works Department issuing show cause notices to 100 contractors, shows that the system has started to respond to the demand for accountability for the poor quality of works undertaken. Unless and until consumers hold the system accountable for the poor quality of work, damage caused to the vehicle and hardship or injury caused to the user, the situation will not improve.
As we observe September 8 as Consumer Literacy Day, it’s a wake-up call for consumers to read their rights and write their complaints."
Roland Martins, Co-ordinator GOACAN
Bills cleared for
inadequate work
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guarantee has been spoken a lot but the BJP has lowered the value of the word “guarantee.” See the poor condition of Goa's roads despite promises of improvement. When authorities blame the rain for the bad roads, it should be borne in mind that Goa has experienced heavy rains for years but the roads remain in disrepair every time.
The local Goan contractors are receiving less work and outstation contractor firms are instead being favoured. These companies, which sponsor the political party/parties, carry out substandard work by disregarding proper materials and construction standards. On the other hand, the PWD engineers are sidelined, who are reduced to merely taking measurements. While the roads remain bad, the government willingly clears the bills for inadequate work.
The road conditions across Goa are the worst. Despite vehicle owners paying road taxes, the authorities continue to provide poor infrastructure. The public should hold the government accountable, questioning why citizens must endure harassment when the authorities fail to fulfill their duties. The persistent potholes are also evidence of the government's unfulfilled assurances."
Sanjay Barde, Activist
