COLLISION IN COALITION

PANAJI: PWD Minister Ramkrishna "Sudin" Dhavalikar and Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai sparred during the cabinet meeting on Wednesday necessitating Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to intervene and break up the altercation.

During the meeting, Vijai raised the issue of the PWD failing to repair a sewage pipeline passing from Arlem to Sirvodem in Navelim, which is yet to be repaired despite him raising the issue several times and it even being one of the assurances he secured from the BJP before deciding to support the coalition government.
He claimed that on account of the broken pipeline, sewage is openly flowing in the fields and was a constant issue facing his constituents.
"The entire pipeline is compromised. When the tender was passed to the tune of ₹80 crore. The entire pipeline was replaced only this spot was avoided. Sewage is getting leaked into the fields, fields are adjacent to the new district hospital. It is opposite my house. This was the main part that needed to be done," Vijai complained.
"There was an argument over misplaced priorities. This a critical case of misplaced priorities. He was claiming that the money got over. If the money is over bring a fresh proposal to the cabinet. This is important, else it will be a health hazard. One day people will die," Vijai said adding that Dhavalikar was not taking the issue seriously.
On the contrary, PWD Minister Dhavalikar claimed that if the work as sought by Vijai Sardesai would have to be completed, a fresh proposal would have to be moved.
"The work on the pipeline was undertaken through JICA and was approved in 2012. We cannot change the project now. His request can be considered if a separate project is proposed for which finance approval is necessary. It is not possible at this juncture to suddenly change the scope of work," Dhavalikar said.
Following the meeting, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar called the leaders of his two coalition parties and promised to resolve the issue.