The Public Works Department (PWD) in Goa has been under scrutiny due to the poor condition of roads, leading to widespread frustration and concerns for public safety. The Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant, who currently holds the PWD portfolio alongside several other responsibilities, has faced criticism for not being able to dedicate sufficient time to address the pressing issues within the department.
The debate surrounding the state of roads, water shortage, and overall infrastructure has garnered significant attention, with the public expressing growing discontent over the lack of substantial improvements. Despite setting deadlines and issuing warnings to contractors, the condition of the roads has not shown significant signs of progress.
It is evident that the PWD requires undivided attention from a dedicated minister who can devote substantial time and effort to tackle the challenges it faces. With the Chief Minister being burdened with multiple portfolios, including Finance and Home, in addition to PWD, concerns have been raised about the ability to effectively manage and prioritize the needs of the department.
On top of all this, the CM has now additional duties of Group of Ministers on several committees besides the headache of being a member of the GST Council, which was earlier with Mauvin Godinho.
Basically, it seems like the CM has got entangled in many things and as such he isn’t giving enough time to PWD.
The impact of the poor road conditions has been profound, with numerous accidents resulting in injuries and loss of life. The frustration among residents has escalated as promised deadlines for road repairs have been repeatedly missed. The recent commitment to repair the roads before the Ganesh Chaturthi festival exemplifies the urgency of the situation and the government’s failure to deliver on its promises.
Former PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral emphasized the importance of accountability and the need for consistent efforts to address the infrastructure challenges. He highlighted the prioritization of durable road construction during his tenure and the significance of holding engineers and contractors accountable for the current conditions. However, redirecting inquiries to the Chief Minister indicates a lack of clarity regarding the division of responsibilities and the need for a focused approach to address the issues.
The pressing concerns surrounding road conditions in Goa demand immediate attention and action from the government.
The safety and well-being of the residents are at stake, and there is an urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address the infrastructure challenges within the PWD. The public’s frustration and discontent reflect the severity of the situation, emphasizing the necessity for a full-time minister to oversee the department and drive meaningful change.
The current state of the PWD in Goa warrants a dedicated and focused approach to address the longstanding issues affecting the infrastructure, particularly the condition of roads.
The appointment of a full-time minister with the capacity to prioritize and allocate resources effectively is crucial in bringing about substantial improvements and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of the residents. It is imperative for the government to take swift and decisive action to restore public trust and address the pressing concerns related to the PWD.
SURAJ BNANDREKAR
Editor, Goemkarponn
