MAPUSA
When it comes to development, the contrast between Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s Sanquelim constituency and Mapusa, the commercial hub of Bardez, raises an uncomfortable question: Does a constituency represented by the head of government enjoy an advantage in securing the attention of the State machinery?
Both Sanquelim and Mapusa are represented by BJP legislators. Yet, while Sanquelim is witnessing a multi-crore infrastructure push covering road widening, town beautification, sewerage and additional facilities at Ravindra Bhavan, Mapusa continues to wait for its own dedicated cultural complex.
The contrast is particularly striking because Sanquelim already has a Ravindra Bhavan and the government is now investing further in its facilities.
GSIDC records put the cost of additional facilities at approximately Rs 31.01 crore, with the contract awarded for Rs 29.12 crore.
Separate works at the cultural complex include renovation and upgradation estimated at Rs 1.96 crore, besides roofing-related works and a series of tenders for maintenance and equipment.
The continued attention to an existing cultural facility stands in sharp contrast to Mapusa’s prolonged wait for a Ravindra Bhavan of its own.
Development plan
with substantial outlay
Sanquelim’s development push extends well beyond Ravindra Bhavan.
GSIDC has earmarked Rs 36.22 crore for widening and beautifying approximately 3.15 km of roads under the town’s redevelopment plan. The wider master plan is expected to be implemented in phases over several years, with a reported overall outlay of nearly Rs 100 crore.
Sawant has personally reviewed the road works. The project incorporates utility ducts intended to accommodate electricity, water, sewage and communication lines, reducing the need to repeatedly excavate completed roads.
The sewerage programme is another major component. The identified packages cover trunk mains, pumping stations, extensions to the network and sewage treatment infrastructure, with listed values adding up to approximately Rs 114.78 crore.
A commercial building and multipurpose hall incorporating Monday market facilities, estimated at Rs 9.52 crore, adds to the list of identified civic projects.
Taken together, the works indicate that Sanquelim is receiving sustained attention across several infrastructure categories. However, the amounts represent a mix of estimates, awarded contracts and budget-listed packages.
A GSIDC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said all works undertaken by the corporation are decided and approved at board meetings chaired by its chairman, maintaining that the process is transparent.
“Obviously, when the CM proposes works, we cannot say no. Even now, several works, including road hotmixing and drain-related projects, are being taken up in Calangute and Siolim constituencies,” the official said.
The present GSIDC chairman is Calangute MLA Michael Lobo.
