THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
Some houses in Sancoale got flooded due to incessant rains on Wednesday, prompting the local panch to claim that the houses would not have flooded had Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha carried out works on the drainage earlier.
Angry villagers later met Sancoale Panch Tulshidas Naik, who incidentally, had launched works on drainages and gutters in the area on Tuesday.
“Had this work been taken up by Saldanha earlier, the houses would not have been flooded. I have not made allegations on her but if she feels offended if we request her as an MLA to undertake development works in our area, then it’s her fault.”
“People in the last two years were waiting for this work. She has to realise that she was not given NOCs by villagers but they chose to give it to the panchayat which proves that villagers trust the panchayat more than her. Simply talking to the media with paid supporters will not win her trust in the village,” said Naik.
Naik also question Saldanha’s role as head of Goa Rehabilitation Board.
“She is heading the Goa Rehabilitation Board, which has a ready budget of Rs 50 crore. Late Manohar Parrikar had assured to take up rehabilitation of Zuarinagar slums and Saldanha had assured to take up rehabilitation works
soon. Today despite being her vote bank, residents of Zuarinagar live in very sorry conditions. She should have at least made 10 sample units to show people how she plans to rehabilitate them.”
“Today, the Zuarinagar slum is an eyesore and it can definitely be converted to an ideal location if the MLA wants to do so,” Naik added.
