Goa govt fires consultant after Smart City row

18 Jun 2024 CW Team

Following criticism from political leaders and locals regarding the Smart City project in Panaji, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced on Thursday the removal of the project consultant and impending action against the erring contractors.

Speaking to the media, Sawant assured that all necessary safety measures are being implemented to prevent accidents related to the ongoing Smart City project work. ?We are conducting a detailed audit of the works. The project consultant has been removed. We will also take action against the contractors,? Sawant stated.

Previously, Panaji BJP MLA and Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate labelled the ongoing Smart City project work as sub-standard. The Congress party, alleging that corruption amounting to Rs 11.40 billion had compromised the project's quality, demanded that the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) conduct a special audit of all 47 projects undertaken by Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd (IPSCDL) under the Smart City and Amrut Mission. They called for action against the contractors, citing sub-standard work exacerbating the city's issues.

Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai also raised corruption concerns and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to order a comprehensive audit of the project, covering financial, quality, and safety aspects. In his letter to PM Modi, Sardesai highlighted grave allegations of corruption and financial misappropriation. He criticised the lack of significant action against the contractor, who has a history of sub-standard work across various departments yet continues to secure government contracts. Sardesai emphasised the urgent need for intervention in the Panaji Smart City project.

(Source: Goemkarponn)

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