the goan I network
MARGAO
Three-time Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco has urged Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar not to go ahead with the inauguration of the incomplete cable-stayed Mandovi bridge over Mandovi river on January 12, saying that the opening of the bridge at its incomplete state may lead to its collapse, which would result in numerous casualties, destruction of property and unimaginable pollution of river Mandovi.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, the Congress MLA said that Goemkars were stunned by the hasty announcement that the still under construction third bridge over Mandovi river would be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12, 2019.
“People of Goa feel cheated by your totally unjustified decision. Despite GSIDC not completing major works be it the access road either from Panaji or Porvorim side or robust side walls or electrification or join of span/ joint, some of the 1227 segments are up and down near the joints, signboards, etc, your bombastic government is in a tearing hurry for its so called inauguration which has already cost the exchequer more than Rs 860 crore and each Goemkar whose number is around 14.5 lakh will have to pay the price of more than Rs 5,600 for this overambitious project of your government whose original cost was Rs 470 crore,” he said.
Reminding that the Chief Minister had paid a visit to the Mandovi bridge on December 16, Reginaldo said that Goemkars are keen to know if really proper inspection has been carried out on all safety parameters.
“People of Goa are wondering what has triggered the sudden decision to inaugurate the incomplete cable-stayed Mandovi bridge. Is it the upcoming code of conduct for the by-election of Mandrem or Shiroda or general election. Or are you trying to please Narendra Modi and Amit Shah,” he said, while pointing to the statement made by a Goa Assembly Legislator alleging that the Khandepar bridge without being completed has been inaugurated recently.
