PANAJI
The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) is unlikely to take responsibility for maintaining infrastructure projects executed under the Smart Cities Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), with concerns over the financial burden prompting the possibility of involving the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC).
The development comes as Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) prepares to hand over completed projects to the civic body following its restructuring and upgradation as a state-level urban development special purpose vehicle (SPV). However, the proposed transfer has raised concerns within the CCP over the funding and recurring expenditure required to maintain the infrastructure.
The civic body is understood to be reluctant to assume additional financial liabilities without clarity on the funding mechanism for maintenance.
The upkeep of roads, public spaces and other urban infrastructure created under the two missions could add to the corporation’s existing responsibilities.
Technical limitations
Sources said CCP Commissioner Clen Madeira had submitted a note to the councillors highlighting the civic body’s lack of technical expertise in carrying out structural maintenance of bridges. Despite repeated attempts, Madeira and Mayor Rohit Monserrate remained unavailable for comment.
GSIDC involvement
“After consulting the corporators, the Commissioner is expected to rope in GSIDC, which could be entrusted with maintaining the projects and carrying out structural repairs through contractors for five years or until the defect liability period expires,” sources said.
Project handover
IPSCDL has undertaken projects under the Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT, covering urban infrastructure and public amenities in Panaji.
“Almost 99 per cent of the Smart City works have been completed. Once we are officially notified as a state-level urban development SPV, it will be our duty to ensure that completed projects are handed over to the concerned departments for further maintenance and monitoring,” IPSCDL sources said.
Established in 2016 to implement the Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT, IPSCDL has completed 51 projects so far.
