Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Within hours of former CCP Mayor Uday Madkaikar questioned him about his silence on the youths death in Mala, Goa Pradesh Youth Congress President and Corporation of the City of Panaji councillor Joel Andrade hit out at Imagine Panaji, stating the ongoing works in the state capital has turned Panaji into a ‘Killer Smart City’.
Earlier in the day, Madkaikar slammed Andrade’s silence saying Goa Youth Congress President Joel Andrade who is also Councillor of CCP is silent on recent accident took place at People’s High School.
“As an youth Congress President he has been totally failed to raise the issue of the current Smart City work. Useless President should tender his resignation from his post or he should be Sack from his post,” Madkaikar said.
He said people are appreciating the excellent work done by Varad Mardolkar as an Youth Congress President, after Mauvin Godinho’s excellent work as an Youth Congress President Varad Mardolkar’s name party should never forget.
“Congress Party should immediately take action against the present non performing Youth Congress President,” he demanded.
Within few hours, Andrade waking up from deep slumber send press release criticising Smart City works.
Madkaikars remarks were following the death of 21-year-old Ayush Halarnkar, son of former CCP councillor Rupesh Halankar, who fell in an open trench on New Year’s day. The incident sent shockwaves across the city.
“Yet another casualty in this ‘Killer Smart City.’ A young boy from Ribandar died after falling into a trench while riding his bike. Why has Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) left these trenches open for extended periods without any safety measures? Who is going to take responsibility for this? My condolences to Rupesh Halankar and his family,” Andrade said.
Andrade, who has led multiple protests and has raised the ‘Killer Smart City ‘ issue numerous times, posed five questions.
“Where is the Smart City plan? Why the lack of transparency? Two, why is the IPSCDL website not updated? Is it trying to hide something from the people of Panaji? Three, why is the executing agency not giving information? Do they have something to hide? The BJP is famous for siphoning off 40% of the tendered amount. Is it also happening here?” he questioned.
“Also, why is our Mayor, who is on the Imagine Panaji Smart City board, not safeguarding the people’s interest? Why is there no consultation with elected councillors and Ponjekars? It’s been around four months now, but our residents’ safety is not considered while planning the works. People have to park their vehicles at a considerable distance and walk. The police say their objections have been ignored. What if we need an ambulance to come to our doorstep? Is the Mayor and MLA going to be responsible if one needs to be rushed?” he further questioned.
