MAPUSA
It is possible to eliminate all potholes by November 1 if self-governing bodies and local MLAs get involved said Ports Minister Michael Lobo and pledged to personally oversee hot-mixing of roads in the Siolim constituency.
Lobo also assured to set up two offices “ one each in Siolim-Marna and Anjuna “ to listen and resolve grievances of the locals.
“There are so many potholes in the entire State. If everyone -- MLAs, panchayat members, like-minded people and social workers -- work together then it is possible to get these potholes patched up,” Lobo said.
He further said the chief minister will provide the necessary finance to repair the potholes but someone must get the work done.
"Panchayat members of every ward should ensure all the potholes in their respective wards are identified and get it repaired by the contractors," he said.
Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant had recently declared that all potholes in the State will be patched up before November 1 and directed the PWD engineers to ensure the work was accomplished before the deadline.
The CM’s announcement on potholes had evoked spontaneous satirical memes and a virtual slugfest with the opposition.
The Ports Minister was addressing a gathering after inaugurating two ambulances and a hearse van donated to three panchayats -- Siolim-Marna, Siolim-Sodiem and Oxel -- in the presence of Parra Sarpanch Delilah Lobo.
Sarpanchas of Siolim-Marna, Siolim-Sodiem, Oxel, Assagao and Verla-Canca, and several panchayat members were present on the occasion.
Lobo, who stated that his wife would contest from Siolim in the 2022 assembly polls, said a lot of work had to be accomplished in the constituency.
“Water, electricity and good roads are basic needs. We need to give good roads to villagers and the tourists visiting the State. We have given an ambulance and a hearse van to Siolim. But the constituency is big. We have to also give a garbage truck to every panchayat,” he said.
He announced plans to set up offices in Siolim-Marna and Anjuna ostensibly to listen to the grievances of the people and resolve their issues.
“We will set up an office here to thrash out the problems of the villagers. Thrice a week we will be available in the office. Initially, I will be there and later my wife will take over,” he said.
He said roads in the Siolim were in very bad condition and work on hot-mixing of the key roads will be taken up on priority.
“Road works will start soon. Anyone may come and break the coconut to inaugurate the road works. That’s not important. I will personally come to inspect the road works. I will remain with the contractor and the engineers and see that good quality work of roads is done,” Lobo said.
