VASCO
Vasco BJP MLA Carlos Almeida on Saturday reassured people that a toll on the four-lane highway would be applicable only for vehicles moving from Verna to the port.
He also said beautification of the area near the St Andrew’s Church has been planned and already in the tendering stage.
Addressing a news conference, Almeida said different development works like Vasco Fire station, KTC bus stand, Blue Flag certification of Baina beach and the 4-lane port connectivity project were being planned in the port town.
“With the four-lane port connectivity project almost ready, heavy vehicle traffic will be reduced in Vasco. There is a public misconception that motorists using the port connectivity project will have to pay toll. Fact is, the toll will be collected once motorists reach the port and it will only be applicable for vehicles going to the port.”
“There is an up-ramp planned to connect the four-lane highway flyover and anyone coming from Vasco can get down at Baina using the down-ramp connection this four-lane highway at Baina and they don't have to pay toll.”
“However, we will take a call on the Vasco ramp after the project is completed and after consultation with locals. The four-lane port connectivity project may be ready by January 2022," said Almeida.
The MLA said there will be no land acquisition for beautification of area near St Andrew’s Church.
“We will beautify the area with the available space. The project will be taken up phase-wise and the first phase is estimated at under Rs 4 crore. We are awaiting approvals from finance department for this project," said Almeida.
Almeida also assured that work on the new Vasco Fire station would start from the first week of September.
“It was my bad luck that the KTC bus stand work did not start despite 70 percent piling completion and I cannot be blamed for this delay,” insisted Almeida.
Almeida said the Baina beach was cleared and added there would be no further encroachment on the beach.
"The Blue Flag certification for Baina beach will help Vasco prosper and I have been following up on the matter.
“I was present at a meeting convened by Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral and it was decided to have five beaches in Goa for blue flag certification.”
“The main company is from Denmark and we have a company from Chennai to look into the Blue Flag certification. They have already taken water samples from Baina beach, which is the first step. People must support this Blue Flag certification," said Almeida.
