Babush indirectly blames late Parrikar for involving consultants in IPSCDL
Says contractors/ consultants, who worked for IFFI/ Inox project also involved in Smart City
Assures all Smart City works to be completed by May 31
Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: In a scathing attack on former Goa CM and Indian Defence Minister late Manohar Parrikar, Panaji MLA and Minister for Revenue Atanasio Monserrate said that he involved consultants in the planning process thus leading to corruption in Smart City works.
Babush was speaking to reporters after the Smart City meeting chaired by CM Dr Pramod Sawant.
Monserrate said despite having engineers with 35 years experience, Parrikar decided to rope in consultants, who were involved in mass corruption.
Babush attributed the mess in the Smart City works to the “old friend” consultants appointed by the late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and the former Smart City MD.
“Tell me what the past Panaji MLA did for 25 years. Let his relatives show me one project that has been done for teh people of Panjim,” he charged.
He claimed that the consultant had embezzled crores, and we were now bearing the consequences of their misdeeds.
Babush also claimed that Parrikar, the 25-year Panaji MLA, brought in casinos while doing little to advance the city.
“All Smart City works are given to consultants and contractors who have been his friends and done projects like Inox,” he said adding this has led to mess in the city.
The minister said that for the next three months he would be personally monitoring the works of Smart City which needs to be completed by March 31.
“Since we have no alternative roads on which to divert traffic, it has become a problem for the people. There are buildings all around the city, so nothing much can be done,” Monserrate said.
The local MLA further said that the CEO of the special purpose vehicle, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd (IPSCDL), is monitoring all the works.
Attending the meeting as well, Panaji Mayor Rohit Monserrate announced that all of the deadlines for the Smart City projects have been rescheduled.
Rohit stated, “CM has directed all the departments to complete their work prior to the monsoons.”
He continued, “Work will be done in accordance with the new plan.”
About the Mala accident, he said, inquiry is going on and whoever is responsible should be taken to task.
