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Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660
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----------------------------------------------------------- Uproar marks Navelim Subway opening ----------------------------------------------------------- Uproar marked the inauguration of the Subway at Navelim on Monday as residents demanded the removal of kiosks from the footpath leading to the structure before throwing it open for pedestrians.
Residents urged Rajya Sabha MP Eduardo Faleiro and local MLA Luizinho Faleiro not to inaugurate the subway, saying the half-a-dozen kiosks located right at the entrance would hinder free movement of pedestrians. They contended that thousands of school children would be forced to walk on the streets since the footpath is blocked by the kiosks.
The local Church also turned down a suggestion to allot place for the rehabilitation of the kiosks. The Church was asked to assume the task of opening or closing the subway if other agencies are not forthcoming.
Agitated residents also sought to know why the subway has no provision for illumination and railings. Questions were also raised as to who would maintain the subway given that the local Navelim Panchayat has decided not to take up the maintenance work. A Panch member present pointed out that the Panchayat did not want to take up the Subway's maintenance given the water logging.
Supporting the contention of the residents, Luizinho Faleiro said he was instrumental in getting the PWD to construct the footpath and wondered why the Panchayat is dilly dallying to remove the kiosks. "It's the responsibility of the local self government bodies like the Panchayat to remove obstructions from the footpaths. These bodies should also take up maintenance work", he remarked.
Navelim Zilla Member, Bishut Themudo whose sister Anna Carneiro is the local Sarpanch suggested for the rehabilitation of the licenced kiosks. However, his suggestion to the local Church to provide a small plot of land for the rehabilitation did not find favour with the Parish Priest, Fr Antonio D'Costa, who said there's no land for such rehabilitation.
The inauguration took place nearly 45 minutes behind schedule when Eduardo Faleiro promised that work on the illumination and railing would be carried out under his MPLAD funds. He fully agreed with the residents that the kiosks would obstruct the free movement of pedestrians and called for their removal. "The kiosks should go from the footpath. Who will rehabilitate them is another question", he asserted.
Luizinho Faleiro said that public interest cannot be sacrificed at the cost of an individual, while favouring removal or rehabilitation of the kiosks. Taking a dig at the local Sarpanch, Anna Carneiro for her absence today, he said "whether one is in the BJP or any other party, the Sarpanch ought to attend such functions being the head of a local self government body.Faleiro further said it's the responsibility of the Panchayat to maintain the subway. "Major problems like water logging will be taken up by the PWD", he said
Navelim Parish Priest, Fr Antonio Costa, ZP member, Bishut Themudo also spoke. The Subway is constructed at a cost of Rs 10 lakh under the MPLAD scheme of MP Eduardo Faleiro. ----------------------------------- HERALD 16/11/04 page 3 -----------------------------------
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