NT Reporter Panaji
The Public Works Department came under sharp criticism during the budget discussion in the State Legislative Assembly, as opposition and ruling MLAs flagged chronic underutilisation of funds and deteriorating road infrastructure across the state.
Opposition MLA Viresh Borkar cited consistent patterns of underutilised budgets by the department.
“From 2022-23, PWD has saved from underutilised budget, which is at 46% average. Why the amount was not spent in providing good roads,” he asked.
Borkar questioned the department’s capacity to use the current budget provision of Rs 1,975 crore effectively.
Calangute BJP MLA Michael Lobo called for greater accountability. Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral said there is lack of co-ordination between road contractors and utility agencies.
“One contractor dug up the road for laying power cables, reducing the road level by half, and did not even level it,” he said.
Vasco BJP MLA Krishna Salkar proposed that utility ducts be created along roads and highways to prevent repeated digging by multiple departments.
He said this would “alleviate loss and save revenue to avoid continuous digging of road by multiple agencies.”
Speaking further, Cabral also sought clarity on water infrastructure, requesting a status report on the number of water treatment plants in the state and a timeline for achieving 24-hour water supply.
Aldona Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira said that in case of poor quality work, the consultants should be held responsible. “The consultants charge so much money that they are virtually like the commission agents. They are making suggestions and now it is time that the consultants should be held responsible .”
for the poor quality work because they are collecting the percentages of the work. They make recommendations and the government pays them. In addition, the government pays GST to them,” he said.
