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THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
Stating that the entire Zuari bridge project was almost 60% complete, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said the project is expected to be completed on time by December 2020.
Sawant was interacting with media persons after inspecting the works on the Missing Link at Verna, Zuari III project at Cortalim and Zuari II river bridge project.
TRAFFIC DIVERSION
Sawant said the traffic diversion as part of the new Zuari bridge work was necessary as lives of motorists and commuters could not be put at risk and added that the proposed diversion road would be ready in eight months.
"The bridge and overbridge works are being carried out and we cannot afford to risk the safety of motorists using the road below the wings. As such, a diversion is extremely necessary and the proposed diversion is planned from the area near the Konkan Railway tracks,” said Sawant.
“It will take eight months to get the diversion road ready. I appeal to people to help us with land on a temporary basis so that the works can be expedited. I also appeal to the people to cooperate with the contractor. The works of the bridge and highway are 60% complete and will be completed in time by December 2020," the chief minister added.
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ARAVALEM DRAINAGE
Sawant also inspected the area of Aravalem-Cortalim and took note of public demands for a drainage system to prevent flooding in the area, amid fears that rainwater could accumulate and flood their houses.
"Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha has taken up the issue of locals and insisted that the contractor build a separate drainage system to prevent flooding in the area. We have inspected the area and instructed the contractor to take necessary preventive measures. The consultant has also been directed to take note of the requirements," he said.
“We will surely have a dedicated drainage system for the locals so that there is no flooding in the area and this will happen within a month. This is a government of the people and any inconvenience to the people will not be tolerated," said Sawant.
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VERNA MISSING LINK
The chief minister also inspected works on the Missing Link construction works at Verna, where people had feared that the area could be flooded as the hills were cut and rainwater could flow down towards the village.
Verna-based social activist Jose Philip Pereira, who was present during the inspection, said some areas had flooded during monsoons last year.
"We fear that rainwater could enter houses as most of the rainwater could flow from the hills into the houses,” said Pereira.
Sawant said directions on preventive measures were given to the contractor to ensure safety of the villagers.
"People were worried about some safety aspects at the Verna-Loutolim bridge site while we were conducting an inspection. People felt that the excavated mud would slide down and cause landslides during monsoons or the village could face water scarcity with some damage to pipelines in the area.”
“I have given directives and instructions regarding major safety precautions that need to be taken. The missing link construction is almost ready and will be completed within two-three months," said Sawant.
