the goan I network
MARGAO
Cuncolim MLA Clafacio Dias on Thursday advised Power Minister Pandurang Madkaikar to learn from former Power Minister Digambar Kamat how to bring about a turn around in the power scenario, even as agitated residents of Cuncolim have threatened to stage a rasta roko on the National Highway on June 2 if the Power officials fails to resolve the power woes plaguing the Municipal town.
Flanked by Cuncolim Municipal vice-Chairperson Shashank Desai, Councilor Lavita Mascarenhas, social activist Jorgina Gama and others, Clafacio said the Cuncolim power situation has only deteriorated over the last 15 years for want of strengthening of the power infrastructure.
Taking strong exception to the statement made by Power Minister Pandurang Madkaikar that the Cuncolim MLA should study before talking on the power situation, Clafacio hit back saying the Power Minister should learn from Digambar to improve the power situation. “The Power Minister should know that I was a two-time Sarpanch, two time ZP member, besides Chairperson of the South ZP. I may be a first time MLA, but I know the administration and how to resolve public grievances”, he said, while requesting the Power Minister to take advice from Digambar to resolve Goa’s power woes.
The Cuncolim MLA said the promised power infrastructure has not taken shape in Cuncolim despite assurances by the Minister on the floor of the House. “The Power Minister was upset because I had move a note on behalf of the people of Cuncolim stating that the people will resort to a rasta roko if the power woes are not address by then”, he said.
Replying to a question, Clafacio said it is for the people to take a call whether to stage the rasta roko or not, but hastened to added that he would join the people’s agitation. Jorgina Gama said while the people will assemble on the NH-17 near the petrol pump at 9.30 am, a decision to stage a rasta roko will be taken after interaction with the power officials.
