Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO:The long-standing issue over the gates erected by the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) at the Baina flyover is set to move towards a resolution, with the South Goa Collector scheduled to carry out a joint site inspection in the next two days. Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar confirmed this development on Wednesday morning, while speaking to reporters after launching the reconstruction of a storm water drain and paving works in Vasco.
Salkar, accompanied by Mormugao Municipal Council Chairperson Girish Borker, City ward councillor Shami Salkar and local residents, said that the gates had faced strong objections from the people.
“The MPA had installed gates at the flyover in Baina and people had objected to it. We had several meetings and even took the issue to the Chief Minister. However, since the gates are still at the site, I once again spoke to the South Goa Collector and also to the Chief Minister. The CM has issued certain instructions, and the South Goa Collector has assured me that she will personally come for an inspection within the next two days. We will have a joint site inspection and necessary action will be taken. Vascokars have been demanding that the gate, which creates an obstruction, should be removed, and we are working towards that,” said Salkar.
Highlighting his commitment to development, Salkar said that several works had been initiated after the monsoons.
“We did some development works at Baina yesterday, and today we have started the reconstruction of a storm water drain to prevent flooding and waterlogging in Vasco. We are trying to reconstruct all old and choked cross drains that could cause waterlogging in the future. We recently launched works on another cross drain near Chase building. Vasco, which earlier witnessed heavy flooding, now stands out as a city that does not flood even during incessant rains. This has been possible because we stressed on drainage system improvements. The current drain work is worth ₹11 lakh, and similar works will be taken up across all wards,” he said.
Salkar further added that relief had finally reached flood-prone areas.
“For the first time ever, the low-lying areas of Belabai, which always flooded during monsoons, have seen some relief. Earlier, residents had to use motor pumps to clear water from their homes and roads. This year, due to the effective desilting of nullahs and other steps by the WRD department, the area has not experienced flooding,” Salkar noted.
The MLA also spoke about other projects lined up for Vasco.
“We are making maximum use of MLALAD funds for small but important works. In another 15 days, we will begin the beautification of Swatantra Path. Day after tomorrow, we have a meeting on the long-pending Baina Garden project, which will also be taken up on priority. Additionally, works on hot-mixing of roads will commence soon,” said Salkar.
