Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira on Thursday assured residents that development works in the constituency would be completed on time and in a professional manner, even if delays occur due to slow processing of files by the government.
He was speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony for the repair of gutter drainage from the house of Premnath Polle to the pond at Podwal in Ward No 8 of Village Panchayat Aldona, under the MLA-LAD scheme.
The project, initially estimated at Rs 25 lakh, has been awarded at Rs 23 lakh and is scheduled for completion within 90 days.
Addressing the gathering, Ferreira criticised the government over what he described as misplaced spending priorities. He alleged that while substantial funds are being allocated to large projects, basic infrastructure needs in villages continue to be neglected.
“The government is spending Rs 57 crore on a race track and Rs 16 crore on a stadium in Verna, but claims there are no funds for essential works like roads and gutters,” he said.
“Nothing gets done under panchayat funds. Files are returned citing lack of funds, while most allocations are exhausted on salaries,” he added.
Ferreira further stated that proposals for road restoration works in the constituency have already been submitted. He acknowledged that progress may be slow due to his position in the opposition but assured that he would persist in pursuing the projects.
