Development boost sees CM give each MLA Rs 40 cr for constituency works
Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced in the budget 2024-25 that Rs 40 crore would be provided to each assembly constituency as a uniform budget plan under the Public Works Department, for which Rs 1600 crore budgetary provision has been made.
He said that with this provision, the MLAs will be able to carry out developmental works in their respective constituencies.
The Chief Minister has made provision of Rs 2,976.55 crore for the PWD in this budget, which is 10.75 % higher than last year’s budget.
He added that Rs 270 crore observatory towers with viewing galleries on new Zuari bridge will be a tourist attraction in Goa and Rs 641.46 crore Porvorim elevated corridor on NH-66 is one of the significant projects.
Sawant also proposed 10 works worth Rs 350.34 crore under the central road infrastructure funds and these works will be 100% reimbursement basis.
“The government will focus on improvement of roads which will include road safety measures, filling up of potholes on fast track, and structural audit of all the bridges will be done. It will also have crash barrier measures with an annual maintenance contract and for this Rs 50 crores provision has been made in the budget,” he added.
Sawant further said that planned improvement of riding quality surface of 1,000 kilo meters of roads will be done by spending Rs 840 crore, adding that 20 B and 20 C type government quarters and model housing complex with the modern amenities worth Rs 20 crores with use of solar power, use of recycled water, rainwater harvesting, parking will be constructed at Altinho.
“Wherever there is 100% sewerage projects, the government will provide sewer connections by spending Rs 250 crore in next one year,” he said.
He added that the government has stressed on non revenue water reduction program so that Goa can be smart water utility state.
“A pilot project worth Rs 1.50 crore with advanced metering infrastructure, replacement of age-old water supply pipelines which have outlived its useful life, GIS network, geo-tagging up to consumer level and smart water management in the project area will be implemented, he said.
The Chief Minister said that additionally 155 roads, sewerage and water supply projects worth Rs 250 crores will also be implemented, adding that another 677 projects worth of Rs 1,600 crores will also be taken up in the financial year.
The government has also approved pollution abatement and conservation of Zuari river at Curchorem and surrounding areas project, costing Rs 81.14 crore.
