the goan I network
MARGAO
Former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao’s dream project Benaulim-Navelim bridge over Sal, which was abandoned mid-way around 2012 following a change in political guard, is all set for a revival by the Pramod Sawant-led government.
The consultant roped in by the government to prepare revised estimates to complete the bridge has submitted his report to the PWD. And, if PWD officials are to be believed, the project may receive the technical sanction before October-end and the project may be tendered before the end of the current year. If everything goes well, PWD officials say the bridge may be commissioned within six months time.
Seeking details of the status of the Benaulim-Navelim bridge initiated by him during his stint as PWD Minister, Churchill demanded to know from officials the status of the bridge, saying he was assured on the floor of the House to complete the bridge at the earliest. “This bridge was initiated as part of three dream bridges over River Sal, but was stopped politically. I want the bridge to be completed,” he said.
PWD Executive Engineer, Agnelo Barros replied to the Benaulim MLA that the consultant has submitted the revised estimates of the bridge, and attributed the delay because of changes in the GSR rates. “The consultant has given the revised estimates. The file will now go for the technical sanction and will be tendered by November,” Barros said.
The Benaulim MLA also underscored the need to ensure the periodic upkeep and maintenance of the Cavelossim-Assolna and the Varca-Telaulim bridges. “I had built these bridges over River Sal during my tenure as PWD Minister. These two bridges are craving for attention. The PWD has not even cut the bushes and wild plants on these bridges and the approach roads. They are also in need for a fresh coat of paint,” Churchill told PWD Minister, Deepak Pauskar, who assured the MLA, who not only ensured to complete the Navelim-Benaulim bridge, but also look after the upkeep and maintenance of the two bridges.
Of the three bridges proposed by Churchill over River Sal, the Navelim-Benaulim bridge had hit the road block, while the remaining two, including the Cavelossim-Assolna bridge and the Varca-Telaulim bridge were commissioned.
