the goan I network
OLD GOA
The work order for a main road leading to the Corlim Industrial Estate was passed in January. But four months on, work on the road is still incomplete and locals have alleged that the contractor is only giving lame excuses for the delay.
And with monsoons fast approaching, locals residing in the vicinity have now raised apprehensions whether the work would be completed within the stipulated period.
Speaking to The Goan, a local, Tome de Souza, said the work order for the road was passed on January 17 and immediately thereafter a function was organized in the presence of Janita Madkaikar, wife of MLA Pandurang Madkaikar, Corlim Sarpanch Shiva Naik, ward panch Mushtaq Shaikh and others.
“However, the contractor, Anil Nair, has been dragging his feet in the matter and unnecessarily delaying the work on the road by giving lame excuses of not having enough labourers, not being paid by PWD, etc.,” Souza stated and raised apprehensions whether the work would be completed within the stipulated period as monsoons are fast approaching.
When contacted, the contractor, Anil Nair, said only hot-mixing of the road is remaining, which had been held up due to non-availability of bitumen.
“We usually get bitumen from the Mangalore refinery or the Mumbai refinery. But Mangalore refinery has shut down operations due to non-availability of water and the Mumbai refinery has cut down on production, due to which it has become difficult for us to get bitumen,” Nair informed.
“Asphalt is available in Karwar, but the PWD doesn’t accept it due to lack of quality.”
“Most probably, the hot-mixing of the road will be completed after the monsoons,” he added.
But when reminded that the period of 180 days for completion of work would have ended, Nair said he would have to apply for an extension
of the project.
