the goan I network
MAPUSA
The work on the new extension block of the Siolim Primary Health Centre (PHC), which was pending for more than seven years, was kick started with much fanfare by the new government in July this year.
But the progress of the work leaves much to be desired. Locals have also begun to complain that the speed of work was extremely slow.
"Initially, the work took off at a good pace but since more than a month now the work appears to have slowed down. Even the labourers employed at the site are few," said Agnel Noronha, a local from Marna.
Work on the pending construction was kick started soon after the health minister along with local MLA Vinod Paliencar paid a visit to the PHC.
Since the earlier contractor had abandoned the work on the project, the work on the extension block was re-tendered under the new government.
The work was tendered to P V Constructions, a contractor from Nerul for Rs 1.48 crore. The deadline for completion of the project is June 2018.
"One does not need an engineer to assess the work. The ongoing work on the new block for the PHC is very slow. The government should put a little more interest to oversee projects particularly concerning the health," said Amrut Agarwadekar, another local from Siolim.
However, Water Resources Minister and local MLA, Vinod Paliencar bagged to differ with skeptics and said he was satisfied with the progress of work. He expected the new extension block to be completed within the specified time frame.
"The work is going at a relatively good speed. It may have reduced to some extent in the last one month because of monsoon. But I am happy with the progress of the work," Paliencar said.
The project of ground plus one structure on an area of around 800 sq mt has been conceived with several additional facilities at the PHC.
Ayurvedic, ophthalmic and dental Out Patient Departments (OPDs) besides a provision for a pharmacy and staff room has been planned on the ground floor. It will also have a big corridor to accommodate waiting patients.
First floor will comprise a conference hall, office for general administration, a room for health officer besides a room for other doctors. First floor will also have a corridor and a store room. Toilet facility will be available on both the ground and the first floor.
The foundation stone for the PHC's extension block was laid way back in 2009. The old contractor completed 40 percent of the work and later suddenly abandoned the project.
