MAPUSA
Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo has emphasized the need for better coordination among government departments to prevent unnecessary road excavation after hotmixing as a key road leading to the coastal village of Anjuna via Verla-Canca received a fresh coat of hotmix at a cost of Rs 6 crore.
Acknowledging the significant expenditure of taxpayer money on road infrastructure, Lobo stated that roads repaired and hotmixed should remain intact for at least three years.
Addressing a gathering at the inauguration of a 6 km hotmixing project in Verla-Canca, estimated at Rs 6 crore, Lobo stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination.
She urged the Chief Minister to convene a meeting with key departments, including water, roads, and electricity, to ensure that newly repaired roads are not dug up soon after completion.
"The defect liability period for a hotmix road is three years. However, it is often observed that soon after hotmixing, another department comes and breaks the road, leading to a waste of public funds. A proper system should be in place to ensure coordination so that roads remain undisturbed for their expected lifespan," Lobo said.
The event was also attended by Verla-Canca Sarpanch Aarti Chari and other panchayat members.
Lobo further urged the public to complete all necessary utility connections and related works before the commencement of road projects.
"Once a road is hotmixed, it should not be disturbed for at least three years," she added.
Providing an update on developmental projects in the constituency, Lobo mentioned that the underground power cabling work in Verla-Canca is nearly complete, with the carpeting of internal roads set to commence soon.
She also noted that the connecting road from Dossashir Chapel to Anjuna Junction will be restored once the underground cabling work in the area is finished.
In addition, Lobo announced that the 5.6 MLD water treatment plant would be inaugurated by the end of the month, while a new electricity sub-station in Badem is scheduled for a foundation-laying ceremony between March and April.
She further stated that underground cabling is completed in most areas of Siolim, with only Sodiem and Oxel villages pending, and assured that these projects would be taken up soon.
The Siolim MLA reiterated her commitment to ensuring better infrastructure planning and coordination to avoid unnecessary road excavation and ensure optimal use of public funds.
