The collapse of a newly constructed concrete stretch of the Goa-Mumbai Highway at Sadibag Porsakade in Pernem, is yet another disaster gifted to Goans by the favourite contractor of the BJP Government, M. Venkata Rao Infra Projects (MVR).
The locals had been raising their voice against the bad quality of work and supervision for months now, but their appeals fell on deaf ears. Lives could have been easily lost in this dangerous incident that happened late last night – who would have been responsible for those lives?
Addressing the media through a video, AAP leader Sunil Signapurkar pointed out that MVR is notorious for its shoddy work in Goa which have been substandard to the point of collapse, or have been delayed for years, and in some cases simply abandoned after creating major issues. Signapurkar alleged that MVR does not have the technical background or expertise to handle such large projects, and uses sub-contractors to finish smaller portions of work while enjoying the profit margin of the entire contract.
Signapurkar listed problems with many of MVR’s projects in Goa which demonstrate that *MVR is a habitual offender, and needs to be blacklisted immediately.*
– Curti-Khandekar highway pipeline collapse leading to Tiswadi water crisis.
– Gaundalim Bridge with major flaws and repeated closures for repairs.
– Miramar-Donapaula concrete road disaster.
– Donapaula jetty collapse.
– Kala Academy jetty collapse.
– Flyover at Chimbel on Old Goa bypass abandoned after foundation problems.
– South Goa collectorate building abandoned.
– Dabolim grade separator delayed and substandard work.
– Cavellosim-Assolna bridge delayed, yet opened while incomplete.
– Loutolim-Cortalim link road wall defects.
AAP has lamented that not only has no action been taken, but the BJP Govt continues to grant more works to MVR. Signapurkar demanded that all works of MVR be stopped immediately and investigated for quality by private consultants, and also that engineers of PWD who have abdicated their responsibility of supervision be held liable and suspended for dereliction or duty.
The BJP, which came into power riding on the back of an anti-corruption wave against the Congress, appears to have perfected art of corruption, and doesn’t seem likely to stop even if lives of Goans are lost in the process.
