THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
The Margao Congress has alleged that substandard work was being executed by the GSIDC contractor entrusted with the work of beautification and widening of road from KRC station rear entrance gate to Victor Hospital at Margao.
Addressing the media, Margao Congress leader Savio Coutinho has called upon Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who is the Chairman of GSIDC to check upon the works being executed. "Pramod Sawant during the launching of the works on 5th May 2023, in his imitable style had said that "Madgaonkarani bhivpaci garaz na", and that the government would work towards the development of the city", Coutinho recalled.
Coutinho stated that the Consultant has already been paid Rs 14 lakhs until June 2024, and charged that works not confirming to the work schedule and substandard works were being certified by the Consultant.
Listing out a host of anomalies in the works executed, Coutinho pointed out to the diversion of a drain in front of a starred hotel, and demanded for the demarcation of the land acquired for the ring road. “The drain specifications and drawings show a RCC slab cast at the top of the drain, however RCC slabs were being placed on top of the drain. Even the RCC walls constructed are not 15cms as specified in the tender, he said.
He added: “Through the RTI availed by us, we found that there is a deviation in the depth of excavation by citing a reason that plastic was found during excavation, and hence it was proposed/approved to undertake additional 95cms deep excavation for stability in soil. However on site it doesn't appear to have been done. Due to the additional depth of excavation, several item quantities have been revised, adding to the costs for this works. We demand that the GSIDC explain where these additional quantities were executed, he added.
While demanding that the GSIDC conduct an inquiry into these issues and take corrective measures, Coutinho has warned that they would not hesitate to approach the high court for a probe.
