The recently hot mixed roads across Panaji and Ribandar have been washed away and left us with the familiar sight of dangerous potholes all over the accident-prone roads. Obviously the tar has flowed into devious pockets. Roads once hot mixed must last for years but we are now seeing these not lasting even for days. If a proper coat of cow dung was laid these roads may have lasted longer. There needs to be an inquiry into such blatant and criminal waste of public funds. The errant contractors need to be blacklisted and punished. Officials who connived must also face the music for corruption and gross dereliction of duty. This is not a one-off but a regular situation whether it is our roads, bridges or any state sponsored projects. There is an urgent need for a meticulous audit in every facet of work being tendered and executed by all government departments. Optimum levels of quality control must be ensured in all projects. Transparency and accountability must always be at the helm with harsh and swift action without fear or favours against all those involved for breach of contract.
