PONDA
Differences between the Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) and PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar came to fore yet again on Wednesday, this time over the issue of a parking area at Khadpabandh-Ponda.
The PWD officials have reportedly refused to prepare estimate of the work.
The PMC in its meeting chaired by Chairperson Dr Radhika Nayak resolved to request Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to investigate into the matter of written apology by PWD officials, reportedly demanded by Dhavalikar over a complaint lodged by PMC against the contractor in the Kranti Maidan renovation work.
BJP leader and Councillor Sunil Desai informed councillors at the PMC meeting that he had inquired with Dhavalikar about the status of the work of laying pavers to develop the parking area at Khadpabandh, while interacting with the minister on an Independence Day function at Kranti Maidan.
Desai said the minister reportedly made remarks that PMC would have to apologise to his officers over a PMC complaint lodged against them over Kranti Maidan issue.
It may be recalled that PMC had lodged a police complaint in regard to renovation work of Kranti Maidan, which according to the PMC was undertaken without its permission. "I recall that the complaint was not against the PWD officials, but it was against the contractor. But how can government officials demand an apology with elected representatives? We will take up this matter with the chief minister," Dr Nayak said.
"I don't know whether these officers have demanded the apology or the minister is putting it in their mouth. Let the chief minister intervene in the matter," she said.
The resolution in this regards was adopted after councillor Sunil Desai brought the incident to the notice of the council.
She further said PMC wants to reduce traffic congestion at Almeida High School and requested PWD's help to develop the parking area.
When contacted, Dhavalikar did not respond to phone calls for comments in the matter.
