MARGAO
As Goa’s Covid-19 cases continue to surge alarmingly with a test positivity rate of 51%”the highest reported rate in the country”Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai demanded that the State government immediately allocate the Rs 300 crore gifted to Goa by the Centre to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Goa’s Liberation Day.
“The government needs to move rapidly with foresight and urgently strengthen Goa’s health infrastructure to mitigate the distress the people find themselves in,” Sardesai said.
Sardesai asked government not to waste any time in deploying the unused funds to fight this second wave, suspending all unnecessary developmental work. “This is not the time to procrastinate, but the time to be resolute and determined. We need every resource we can muster to fight this pandemic and save our fellow Goemkars. We hope the government will acknowledge the magnitude of the second wave and rise up to the occasion,” he added.
Sardesai urged the government to draw up an effective plan that lists out its priorities in these times and allocate funds accordingly.
Sardesai stated that the government’s lack of foresight, strategy and seriousness towards Covid-19, right from the beginning of the pandemic, and the Chief Minister’s refusal to listen to anyone including opposition and listening to Delhi BJP leaders have unnecessarily complicated issues here.
He once again reminded the political establishment that “Goa’s success will depend on us thinking and acting like Goans and not like politicians, adding I hope the government will not shy away from taking on board suggestions and opinions from talented and experienced minds from across the political spectrum”.
Agreeing with the top American immunologist Anthony Fauci that a lockdown for a few weeks in the state will make a difference, Vijai said, “Despite this inactive government, which has other priorities like counting trips of ore and coal. We should go into a voluntary lockdown for a few weeks and help each other as government won’t agree and that would perhaps be a game changer in our fight against the pandemic”.
