Drainage Design on NH66 in Cuncolim Questioned by Elvis Gomes

Concerns have been raised over the design and execution of drainage works along National Highway 66 in Cuncolim, with Citizens of Democracy convenor Elvis Gomes alleging serious flaws in the project and calling for greater transparency and scrutiny.

Speaking after a visit to the National Institute of Technology (NIT) at Cuncolim, Gomes said the design of the drainage being constructed by the Public Works Department (PWD) along the highway did not appear to serve the public interest.

“We are not against the work being done, but we are against the design that has been adopted here,” Gomes said, adding that even to a common observer it was evident that the drainage design was not up to the mark.

The works along the stretch between the Cuncolim bus stand and Demani came under scrutiny during the visit. According to Gomes, the design could create additional problems for motorists and pedestrians on what is already considered a vulnerable stretch of the highway.

He said large sums of public money were being spent on infrastructure that could end up worsening conditions rather than improving them. “Crores of taxpayers’ money are literally going down the drain,” Gomes said.

Gomes suggested that the National Institute of Technology at Cuncolim could conduct an independent third-party audit of the project. He also urged that such audits be carried out for civil engineering works across Goa so that technical expertise could help ensure better quality infrastructure.

Cuncolim Municipal Council councillor Uddesh Dessai, who was present during the discussions, said he would write to PWD Minister Digambar Kamat seeking disclosure of the consultants involved in designing the project and the engineers who approved the design and estimates.

Dessai said the issues surrounding the drainage work warranted closer scrutiny. “The work calls for vigilance investigations,” he said.

Gomes said that making details of consultants and approvals public would help improve accountability in public works and ensure that projects serve the larger public interest.