the goan I network
PANAJI
The Committee of Public Undertakings on Tuesday endorsed the CAG report that successive governments in the State have spent around Rs 29.33 odd crores on two IT projects at Dona Paula and Succor which were never conceptualised.
A sum of Rs 18.68 crore was paid to the contractor for development of site at Dona Paula for the proposed IT Park project which came to a screeching halt in December 2007 following violent opposition from the locals.
It may be recalled that the Comptroller Auditor General (CAG) in its report had remarked about irregularities in the work.
“Payment and compensation to the contractor over and above the contractual obligations and the delay in terminating the project management consultancy contract resulted in an undue benefit of 71.91 lakh to the contracter,” says the CAG report.
Then, during 2007 to 2008, the State government spent Rs 10.65 crore on various infrastructure development projects in areas around the Soccoro IT project.
Also, the government in May 2012 decided to withdraw the proposed IT Park project at Socorro on account of the High Court having ordered a stay on land acquisition process of the forest land.
The Goa legislative assembly committee of public undertakings has observed that government failed to give proper explanation to CAG findings regarding the project.
It may be recalled that the CAG had noted that the execution of community development works for the proposed IT park even after the High Court had stayed the acquisition of land resulted in avoidable expenditure of Rs 10.65 crore.
Besides this, the government (Information Technology department) had spent additional Rs 1.15 crore on land acquisition process, advertisement notices, electrical consultancy, legal fee, Survey demarcation and other miscellaneous expenses from 2007 to 2008.
In the name of developing infrastructure at Succor IT park, gutters, retaining walls, widening of roads, commissioning of 250 watts street light, high masts, substation, poles were erected at different locations around the IT park project site, while also, pavers at Holy family church and chapel at Succor were laid.
Besides this, open space development in Sunrise Valley Association, under Aldona-Corjuem bridge was taken up. Even the development of cricket ground at Porvorim was carried out with the money allotted for IT park.
“The expenditure incurred in the name of IT park is wasteful,” says the report of committee of public undertakings.
The government has referred the matter for enquiry to the Directorate of Vigilance and probe is in progress.
MONEY DOWN THE DRAIN
DONA PAULA PROJECT
Rs 18.68 crore paid to contractor for development of site at Dona Paula
Project withdrawn in December 2007 following opposition from locals
Also, CAG points to irregularities in tendering of the project work
PROJECT AT SUCCOR
During 2007 to 2008, State govt spends Rs 10.65 crore on infrastructure development
Govt pulls out in May 2012 following a stay order by the High Court on the project
