PANAJI
Leaders from the GFP and the AAP have demanded a criminal probe into the collapse of a concrete retaining structure at Taad-Maad in St Inez, early Monday after the first heavy rains of the season.
AAP President Amit Palekar took to social media alleging corruption and demanded an audit of the projects. “We demand a criminal investigation into IPSCDL and contractor and corruption involved in Smart City Panaji work. CM Pramod Sawant, BJP Goa is deeply involved in this corruption... Why not make an audit of work carried out public...” he posted.
The GFP, on the other hand, submitted a complaint to the Chief Secretary also alleging “shoddy workmanship and negligence by the smart city contractor”. GFP President Vijai Sardesai stated that the contractor’s slow pace of work and failure to take necessary safety measures left the trench open for an excessive duration, which weakened the structure and resulted in the collapse.
“Furthermore, this negligence has placed the surrounding structures, including an old Banyan tree adjacent to the trench, at severe risk, especially with the onset of the monsoon weakening the soil between the trench and these structures. The concerned contractor has a known history of substandard work in various departments, including Water Resources, Tourism, and others,” Sardesai said, demanding an FIR and audit into both - the collapse of the retaining structure and overall works.
