MAPUSA
In an attempt to listen to grievances of the aam aadmi and offering them solutions, Water Resources Minister, Vinoda Paliencar kick started the New Year by holding a janata durbar for the people of Bardez in government complex in Mapusa on Thursday.
"It is important people have trust in the government and sparing my little time to listen to them is my way of strengthening that trust," Paliencar said and promised to hold such durbars every Thursday in the complex for the benefit of the public.
The minister met almost 150 persons for around two-and-half hours that he was present in the government complex offering suggestions and resolving issues.
"Most of the people come with problems of water and power while some are related to issues involving the mamlatdars," the minister said.
It is pertinent to state that Bardez has four ministers but so far only the water resources minister has been holding such janata durbars to listen to people's woes.
Besides Paliencar, Bardez is host to Urban Development Minister, Francisco D'Souza, Revenue Minister, Rohan Khaunte and Housing Minister, Jayesh Salgaonkar.
"I can't talk about others. I am doing what I feel is good for the general public. The other ministers must be meeting people at their residences," Paliencar said.
He, however, said Salgaonkar may soon follow suit and start meeting people in the government complex to hear their difficulties.
The water resources minister, who is also the Siolim MLA, informed that most of the major roads in the constituency will soon be taken up for hot-mixing.
"All the major roads in Siolim have been passed for hot-mixing. Road works will be taken up on priority," Paliencar said adding that steps will be taken to ensure that hot-mixed roads do not develop potholes.
He also informed about the plan that has been passed to set up bigger water pipeline from Cunchelim to Tar Bridge in Siolim, while a bigger water tank has been set up in Anjuna to alleviate water woes of around 50 houses in that area.
The minister said a new power sub-station at Assagao will take care of the power problems witnessed in the area.
