Goemkarponn desk
Margao: “It is a good news that Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari will inaugurate the second phase of the new Zuari Bridge on December 22, 2023. BJP Government should refrain from incurring Wasteful Expenditure of another Rs 2 crores as done during the first phase inaugural and utilize these Funds for the much needed repairs of Margao Bus Stand,” demanded Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao.
He said the reply given to him in the last Assembly Session revealed that Rs 2 crores were spent on the inaugural function of the first phase of the new Zuari Bridge.
“This is complete misuse of taxpayer’s money by the irresponsible BJP Government. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant needs to focus on Austerity Measures when the Total Liability on the State has reached Rs 35000 crores,” pointed Yuri Alemao.
He said the BJP Government has always given a step- motherly treatment to South Goa and especially Salcete Taluka.
“Margao Bus Stand is a gateway for entire South Goa. This Bus stand contributes to the Revenue of the Government. Government earned a Profit of 1.93 crores in last 4 years from this Bus stand. Unfortunately, the BJP Government has failed to keep the upkeep of the Bus Shed and maintain the Bus Stand. There is urgent need to take up the maintenance work of the Bus Stand,” stated Yuri Alemao.
The Leader of Opposition said that the Congress Government had laid the Foundation Stone for the “Ultra-Modern Transport Hub” at Margao in June 2011. Spread over 16 acres of land, the Project was to include a Retail Mall, Hotel Block, Corporate Block, Parking Facilities and a Modern Bus Stand with all other facilities. “Unfortunately the BJP Government shelved the Project for the reasons best known to them,” claimed Yuri Alemao.
He said Margao Bus Stand is completely in a mess with no proper Toilets and Washrooms.
“There is no proper sitting arrangement for the passengers especially senior citizens and persons with disabilities as most of the benches are broken or damaged. The Shed is in dilapidated condition causing risk to the passengers,” pointed Yuri Alemao.
“I have absolutely no hope from the Government that they will commence the work of construction of the “Ultra-Modern Transport Hub” in Margao till 2027. I appeal to the Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant to at least utilize 2 crores which the Government would have spent on an Event on Zuari Bridge to provide basic facilities at the Margao Bus Stand,” stated Yuri Alemao.
