the goan I network
VASCO
Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida on Monday demanded an investigation into the stoppage of works and subsequent delay in the port connectivity project.
He has also requested Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to expedite the work on a war footing to reduce accidents in Vasco city.
Almeida was addressing a news conference in the presence of Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Nandadeep Raut, BJP State Executive member Chandrakant Gawas and other MMC councillors.
“The port connectivity project, which includes the construction of a four-lane road from Varunapuri Junction to Sada Junction and a flyover from Gate 9 to NH17B is vital and has to be expedited.”
“I have already submitted a memorandum to the CM and even enclosed newspaper cuttings in connection with the port connectivity project and requested his intervention in the matter,” said Almeida.
The Vasco MLA said the contract for the project was awarded to Gammon India Ltd and work had started in 2015.
“The target to complete the work was 2018, but till now about 70-80 per cent work is completed and presently the work is on hold due to non-payment of bills by the National Highways Authority of India,” said Almeida.
“People from Mormugao taluka are suffering a lot as heavy vehicles move via the main city, creating traffic congestion and increasing the possibilities of accidents in the city.”
Stating that the project was inaugurated by then chief minister late Manohar Parrikar and Central Minister Nitin Gadkari in his presence, Almeida said: “Their efforts were to complete the work within the scheduled time so that people from Vasco would not have to face traffic congestion and heavy vehicles moving to Mormugao Port Trust would have been diverted from the outskirts of the city,” said Almeida.
“Many lives have been lost due to heavy vehicles moving in Vasco city and on November 19 Goa lost renowned tiatrist Marcelino de Betim in a tragic road accident near the Vasco vegetable market involving a heavy vehicle.”
“It is high time that work on the flyover is expedited on a war footing as it will not only help in reducing accidents but will also ease traffic congestion in Vasco city,” said Almeida.
The Vasco MLA said he has urged the CM to instruct authorities to investigate why there is stoppage of work.
