the goan I network
PANAJI
Two-and-half months down the line after PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar promised that “hot-mixing of roads and other works worth Rs 20 crore” would commence in all talukas from November 15, work-orders for the same have not got sanction from the government.
According to Chief Engineer of PWD, Vijaykumar P Verenkar, “All estimates have been prepared. We have given the ‘expenditure sanction’ to the government”.
The work will start only once the orders have been issued. We can’t give the work order before the government clears the files of the expenditure sanction, he said.
Responding to a question on how different companies are allowed to keep digging the roads, Verenkar said digging for different purposes was necessary as people required services too, but whoever digs the road has to repair it.
“Roads are dug up by Reliance company for sewerage, gas pipeline etc... People want all facilities too. But they restore the roads. It does look shabby now, but after hot-mixing, you will be able to see the whole new carpet.”
Stating that it was compulsory for contractors to put sign boards and follow rules according to their contracts, the chief engineer said though PWD can penalise contractors not following rules, no penalty had been imposed on any contractor till now.
ALOYSIUS CASE: When asked who was taking responsibility for the death of 28-year-old Aloysius Alvares who died after a road accident where “development” was taking place near Hotel Green Park, Mapusa, Verenkar said, “It is a police matter once an accident takes place. They’ll have to find out what was the cause.”
When it was pointed out that the road was not properly lit, he said, “We frequently write to the contractor to take precaution. It is not a case where the stretch is completely abandoned. There are some things in place. Some more things are required as per site conditions. We will be telling the contractor that.”
