Promenade Work Exposes Zig-Zag Corruption in Margao : Prabhav Naik

Margao: The so-called promenade project along the Ring Road at Aquem, involving the demolition of existing footpaths and reckless excavation of pavers, is a classic example of zig-zag corruption under the watch of Defector Margao MLA turned PWD Minister Digambar Kamat. The bizarre, roller-coaster-style zig-zag drains standing today are nothing but concrete monuments of corruption. This is not development; it is a cruel mockery of taxpayers’ hard-earned money, charged Madganvcho Awaaz & Youth Leader Prabhav Naik.

Adding insult to injury, Defector Margao MLA turned PWD Minister Digambar Kamat has now claimed that 27 gaadas (kiosks) will be “rehabilitated” by shifting them from some other locations and installing them along the promenade. This vague and evasive statement is unacceptable. The Minister must immediately specify the exact locations from where these 27 gaadas will be removed and clearly state under what policy, criteria or legal framework this so-called rehabilitation is being carried out, demanded Prabhav Naik.

More alarmingly, this proposed relocation directly threatens the sanctity of the area, as a Shree Ganesh Temple is coming up at this very location. The obvious and serious question arises: what exactly will these gaadas sell? Will the surroundings of a temple be turned into a food court for chicken, mutton and liquor, or even become a den for anti-social elements, thereby violating the spiritual, cultural and social sanctity of the temple precincts, questioned Naik.

Appealing to the conscience of the city, Prabhav Naik called upon professionals from Margao, lawyers, engineers, architects, teachers, doctors and town planners to speak out before the demon of corruption swallows the entire city.

Transparency, accountability and respect for public faith must be collectively demanded. Development cannot be imposed at the cost of common sense, culture and public money, he asserted.

Prabhav Naik also urged Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai and Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, who are members of the Margao Municipal Council, to immediately conduct a site inspection, intervene without delay and stop the illegal and arbitrary works being carried out in the name of development.