Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar on Thursday carried out a joint site inspection of Swatantra Path along with officials of the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) and the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) as part of the long-awaited Swatantra Path beautification project.
Speaking during the inspection, Salkar said the initiative would be launched immediately after the monsoon, with the involvement of all stakeholders. “I had assured the people that we will launch various development works after the monsoons and we are now inspecting the footpaths of Swatantra Path to launch the beautification project. We are trying to involve all the stakeholders and government agencies and taking inputs even from the residents because this is the lifeline of Vasco and people have an emotional attachment with the Swatantra Path,” Salkar said.
He added that efforts were being made to ensure the project was people-friendly. “We are trying to involve senior citizens to take feedback on how best we can improve the Swatantra Path, improve the parking of vehicles along this route, while keeping the roads free of congestion and also giving better facilities to pedestrians. We also want to ensure that beautiful trees offering shade along this path are taken good care of,” he remarked.
Salkar informed that road widening works had already begun near the Church square connecting to Swatantra Path. “The Church junction works will be launched and the Church square will be redeveloped. These are two separate projects but we are exploring if we can merge both so that the entry point into Vasco gets a facelift and the entire face of Vasco city can be changed,” he said.
He further revealed that private players were also coming forward with proposals. “At the Church square, we had involved highway authorities, local residents, builders and the municipality. We have received a proposal from Venture Builders to maintain and develop the Church square, while we have also received a proposal to set up a clock tower in the area. We will involve Mumbai architects, engineers in Vasco city, and take everyone’s advice and suggestions before we finalise the best plan for the entry point of Vasco,” Salkar stated.
The MLA also announced the launch of several other projects simultaneously. “We will have launching of around six to seven projects starting together. The Baina garden project will be launched, road widening near Tanya Hotel will begin, the Vasco fish market will be inaugurated, and works on the Vasco bus stand will be taken up. Our promises made to the people are being fulfilled as we try to change the entire look of Vasco city and improve facilities for the people,” he said.
Salkar, however, cautioned residents about temporary hardships. “The people may have to face inconvenience for around eight months when the works start, and I request everyone to cooperate with us during this time,” he added.
