VASCO
PWD Minister Digambar Kamat on Monday morning paid a surprise visit to the PWD office at Baina, where he reviewed the functioning of the office and discussed pending development works in the constituency.
Speaking to reporters in the presence of Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar, Kamat said his visit was part of his practice to connect with local officials and elected representatives whenever he attends functions in the area.
“I had come for another function at MES College and it is my habit that if I go to any area for any programme, I make it a point to visit the department related to me and meet the MLAs to understand the issues of the area. I had called Krishna Salkar and we had a joint interaction with the officials to understand the issues related to roads, water supply and sewerage,” Kamat said.
The minister added that he has already held meetings with PWD officials to gather detailed data on the condition of roads in Vasco.
“I am basically trying to understand the issues and I have already had a meeting with the PWD officials where I will get data about the roads. Salkar has said that roads are not totally bad in Vasco except for areas where underground cables have been laid, and we will take up works on those roads soon,” Kamat assured
MLA Krishna Salkar described the visit as both a review of the PWD office and an opportunity to highlight local issues directly to the minister.
“This was a surprise visit to check on staff and other aspects of the PWD department. I have apprised him about all the issues and explained that roads dug during the laying of underground cables need to be taken up urgently. He has assured me that works will start once the hotmix plant starts,” Salkar said.
Salkar also informed that the minister has asked him to submit estimates for road works in Vasco.
“I have been told to take all estimates for road works of F L Gomes Road and Swatantra Path to his office in the next few days. I have briefed him about all issues pertaining to water and roads in the area, and I am sure he will resolve and streamline them since he is a very experienced minister,” he added.
Kamat assured that the department would take speedy action on the issues highlighted by the Vasco MLA.
