Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant today said that Smart City works in Panaji were delayed due to failure of consultants.
CM Sawant inspected Smart City works today. He discussed about the ongoing work with the officials accompanying him including Smart City CEO Sanjth Rodrigues and also gave his suggestions.
“Due to failure of previous consultant there was delay initially & some defects, but all that has been overcome now. The major work of sewage line has been completed in whole of Panjim. The roads have been concretized so that for next 25 years, there will be no issue of roads,” said Sawant
He further said that there are 3 main storm drains in the city, but during high tide, the water level rises and the rain water has no exit.
“For this we will install a sluice gate and manually pump the water out so that there will be no flooding, also river Mandovi will be desilted. IPSCDL has achieved the target that we had set for them, minor works are pending,” he added
Sawant said that some people are in habit of just criticizing and create big stories without actually checking the work. “I understand the hardship faded by people, but people will have to bear it for sometime. In next 8-10 days contractor.” he added
Significant portion of the Smart City work is still not completed, although yesterday, i.e. May 31 was the self imposed deadline specified by the govt. Woes of Panaji citizens are expected to multiply with the onset of monsoon which is expected to hit the state by next week.
Earlier this year, the issues arising from dust pollution due to Smart City construction prompted high court judges to visit Panaji and assess citizens’ concerns.
Projects under the Smart Cities Mission in Panaji encompass various initiatives, including the implementation of a smart radio wireless network with mast towers, upgrades to solid waste management infrastructure, and the establishment of smart classrooms to enhance ICT learning environments in government-run schools.
Furthermore, the Smart City Mission involves extensive civic works such as road reconstruction, pavement improvements, stormwater drain enhancements, utility crossing chambers, and footpath development along different road stretches in Panaji. While these construction activities have caused inconvenience and traffic congestion, they are crucial for the city’s infrastructural development.
Additionally, the mission encompasses the replacement of old water supply, sewage, and electrical lines, as well as the installation of gas lines, contributing to the overall modernisation and improvement of essential services in Panaji.
