MLA blames sub-standard work for retaining wall mishap in Canacona
After the recently constructed retaining wall on the new highway at Maxem collapsed, the govt has assured that it will inquire into the incident and accordingly take action against the project’s contractor. CM Sawant’s assurance comes after Canacona MLA Isidore Fernandes accused the contractor of sub-standard work.
Fernandes along with Opposition legislators had moved a joint Calling Attention Motion. While other legislators too demanded that action be initiated against the contractor, NCP MLA Churchill Alemao recalled the infamous collapse of Ruby Residency building..
The CM added that the matter has been discussed with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. His written reply states that the collapse of the gabion retaining wall is ‘one-off incident,’ the causes of which are being investigated into. The repair and restoration work will be attended and undertaken as soon as fresh approved design is issued by the team of consultants on top priority. To ensure no such incidents reoccur; the project on its completion will be inspected and audited by the team of consultants before it is taken over and opened for traffic. “The contractor has four years of defect liability period in which he has to rectify any defect apparent or arising, free of cost, as he along with team of consultants are exclusively and entirely responsible for the safety,” the reply states. Fernandes urged the govt to postpone the inauguration until all safety measures were undertaken, while adding that the public is very upset.