PANAJI
Poking holes in the Goa government's essential delivery mechanism related to water supply and electricity, as well as slamming the quality of construction of the national highway project in Pernem, Tourism Minister Manohar Babu Ajgaonkar publicly questioned Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at a 'Sarkaar Aaplya Daari' outreach programme event in Pernem.
Ajgaonkar also said that driving along the new national highway had worsened his already injured neck, while attributing a slur to the road contractor agency, describing it as one run by 'ghatis'.
"There are holes all over these roads. We know some hardships have to be faced for development. But how many hardships should we face?" Ajgaonkar said, adding that residents of villages like Varkhand, Virnoda, Uguem, which fall along the national highway route did not even have service roads and were feeling trapped.
"There are no service roads in Varkhand, Virnoda, Ugeum. What kind of work is this? Who are these 'ghatis' you have been brought from outside and placed on our heads? A highway without service roads has turned the lives of locals into prisons. What are they supposed to do?" Ajgaonkar said.
"It has been two and a half years that the road work is being carried out. Why have we appointed such a shameless contractor? How much hardship do we face? First of all, I have neck related issues and then these hardships. Ask him (contractor) to complete the work faster," Ajgaonkar said.
The Tourism Minister also said that residents of Chandel and Pernem were facing a water shortage, despite the area hosting a new water treatment facility.
"We have given water from Chandel (in Pernem) to the state. Why doesn't water from Chandel reach our homes here? How many times should we instruct these officers? Why are they harassing us? You have to ask them that. You have the capacity. Why are you silent against this (injustice). I have raised this issue at least 10 times," the Tourism Minister said.
The charge of water shortage comes against the backdrop of the Goa government's recent policy initiative to provide free potable water to the tune of 16,000 units every month from September 1.
Ajgaonkar also chided the Chief Minister for the failure of the Power department to ensure uninterrupted power supply in the Perenm area.
