MAPUSA
Defending the rise in petrol and LPG cylinder prices in the country, former MMC chairperson Ryan Braganza on Saturday said people have to pay for the development that was happening in the country.
“People are paying but people are also enjoying the benefit. The Atal Sethu Bridge over River Mandovi has come at a huge cost but people are benefiting from the infrastructure created by the government,” Braganza said.
The former chairperson was responding to The Goan whether the rising prices of petrol and LPG cylinder would affect the chances of the BJP in the ensuing civic election in Mapusa.
Continuing, Braganza said the country has been experiencing development which no one has seen for the last 60 years.
“Development comes at a cost. Government earns by taxing the people but the government is also in the business of development. They have to balance it somewhere. We are feeling the pinch today, but in the long run it will benefit the country,” he said.
He admitted that there was a water problem in his ward but he was constantly monitoring the situation with the engineer concerned.
“There is a water issue in the ward but it is not a continuous problem. Sometimes, the flow of water is very slow. It’s a problem of the PWD. As long as the main pipeline is not changed, the problem will remain. But I am monitoring the issue,” he said.
When questioned about the work done during his term as chairperson, he said the council has taken steps to tackle cattle issues in Mapusa.
"We cannot see any cattle on Mapusa roads now," he said.
He also listed the setting up of the statue of Shivaji Maharaj and renovation of the Miracle Cross near the Gandhi Chowk as achievements of the outgoing council. He further pointed to the Rs 20 crore commercial project that was coming up in his ward.
Braganza predicted that the BJP panel would easily win in 15-16 wards in the current civic election in Mapusa.
