the goan I network
VASCO
Refuting claims by Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Deepak Naik that he has been hampering door-to-door collection of garbage, Vasco Councillor Pascoal D’Souza said he had been demanding labourers from day one to clear garbage and clean gutters in his ward.
Speaking to The Goan, D’Souza said though Naik had assured to provide some labourers, it remained only a promise. “I even made personal appeal to Naik to provide at least five labourers to clear the garbage, as the contractor was not appointed to collect garbage and to clean gutters, which are clogged with filth,” said D’Souza.
“All my appeals and requests fell on deaf ears of Naik and now blames me for hampering collection of garbage, which is totally false,” added D’Souza. “I use my entire salary which I draw as a councillor to hire private labourers and clear garbage from my ward. Cleanliness means not only collection of garbage, but it also means cleanliness of the surroundings and a healthy living,” said D’Souza.
“What is the use if MMC is collecting garbage and leaving the residents to face foul smell from the gutters and mosquitoes menace,” he asked.
When contacted, Naik said he has been providing labourers to D’Souza as and when requested to clean gutters, which can be verified from the log book. “I don’t distinguish between the ruling and opposition councillors, as I am committed to work for the betterment of the residents of all 25 wards,” said Naik.
“The contractor which D’Souza is requesting is already catering to seven wards of the council and D’Souza’s ward is allotted to a new contractor, who has already
started collecting garbage,” added Naik.
