MARGAO
While South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha had an impressive performance in the utilisation of funds under the MPLAD scheme in his constituency over the last five years, concerns remain on the upkeep and maintenance of the 100-odd projects.
The MPLAD scheme has no provision to look after the maintenance of the projects. A couple of projects sanctioned by the South Goa MP in the previous tenure of 2009-2014 and developed under the scheme are a case in point. The stairs leading to the Monte Hill adjoining the old Hospicio building are in a dilapidated state while the network of CCTV cameras in South Goa towns is defunct. Both projects were sanctioned by the MP.
Similarly, many ambulances and other infrastructure projects sanctioned by Sardinha during his previous tenure have been craving for attention for want of maintenance.
MP Sardinha clarified that the MPLAD scheme has no provision for the maintenance of projects executed under the scheme. “The MP takes up the projects in the Municipal and Panchayat areas with a resolution adopted by the local body, hoping that the local bodies will look after the upkeep and maintenance of the projects,” he said.
“I understand the difficulties faced by some of the local bodies to take up the maintenance of the projects. But, the local bodies should do the maintenance of the projects as far as possible since these are public utilities meant for the public at large.”
