Panaji, June 19 – Following widespread public outcry, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced on Wednesday that a detailed report on the Smart City project is in preparation. This report will detail the completed works and the actions taken against the project consultant and other involved parties.
“A report on the Smart City project is being prepared. It will reflect the work done so far and the actions taken against the consultant and others. We will not spend additional money on works that have collapsed and will ask contractors to complete them soon. The report will be ready very soon,” CM Sawant told mediapersons.
Previously, the Chief Minister confirmed the removal of the project consultant and promised action against the erring contractors.
“We are conducting a detailed audit of the works. The project consultant has been removed, and we will take action against the erring contractors,” Sawant said.
Panaji BJP MLA and Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate had earlier criticized the ongoing Smart City works as sub-standard.
Claiming corruption amounting to Rs 1,140 crore, the Congress demanded a special audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of all 47 projects undertaken by Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd (IPSCDL) under the Smart City and Amrut Mission. The party also called for action against contractors for allegedly sub-standard work that exacerbated city problems.
Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to order a comprehensive audit of the project, including financial, quality, and safety aspects. In his letter to the PM, Sardesai highlighted allegations of massive corruption and financial misappropriation linked to the project.
Residents of Panaji have also expressed anger towards the government for the incomplete work, which has caused significant inconvenience.
