MARGAO
In a development, which may stir up a Hornet’s nest, Aam Aadmi Party Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas has said he is denying himself the 10 per cent commission, which he pointed out is known to be common knowledge in PWD works, where an MLA regardless of the ruling or opposition gets the kickbacks.
In fact, at a road hot-mixing work at Benaulim, the newly-elected MLA told the PWD engineer that he is not one who would take the 10 per cent commission on road works. He, however, insisted that it’s now the responsibility of the PWD engineer and the contractor to ensure top quality hot-mixing of road.
That’s not all. He made it clear that since the MLA will be denying himself the commission, the people of the area would take over the responsibility to check the quality from time to time during the ongoing work.
“My decision could be inspiring or rather exerting pressure on all the MLAs to come out clean as it is clear that this is one of the root causes of corruption which needs to be plugged. When you send such men in the assembly you can pride yourself and your vote,” he said, adding “This is a pleasantly pinching change that AAP can give to the people”.
He added, “Imagine how much Goa will benefit if we have 21 or more such AAP MLAs in the Assembly. People will forget the BJP and the Congress forever.”
While speaking to the people, Venzy assured road works will be of quality and no commission will be taken from contractors. All internal roads in Benaulim constituency are set to have tidy look as hot-mixing started yesterday, he said.
“The work what we see today is only possible because of taxpayers’ money and it will be used for their benefit only. No corruption will be tolerated. I had a detailed discussion with the contractor and PWD engineers that work should be carried out in a quality manner,” he said.
Venzy has gone in action mode since his election last month by kickstarting developmental activities and pre-monsoon preparedness.
The AAP MLA had a detailed discussion with the traditional ramponkars of Benaulim coastal belt, who have been suffering every monsoon season as cyclonic winds leave their canoes damaged.
“It was decided to move canoes a little far from the beach in designated areas which fall under the fisheries department. This exercise we will start from this monsoon season and I will have a joint meeting with all the departments concerned so that we don’t have to rush at the last moment,” said Venzy.
He also had an insightful meeting with PTA members of St Pius Convent High School, Orlim, where a discussion was held on the infrastructure facilities in the school premises and importantly on career guidance for the standard X students.
