Smart city CEO confident of finishing smart city work by March 31

Panaji: Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) CEO Sanjit Rodrigues on Friday expressed confidence that all ongoing smart city projects will be completed by March 31.

“We are working as per our March 31 deadline, and the work is going on at a good pace. Our focus is on completing all services, and we are in completion mode for the next two months,” he said.

On repeated digging of roads in the city, Rodrigues said that certain works can only be done at specific times. “The interconnection between old and new manholes can only happen when the sewage lines are laid and levels are low. We had to patch the roads temporarily to prevent dust pollution,” he said.

Currently, sewage connections are being established from old manholes to new ones at 15 locations across the city. Rodrigues acknowledged criticism but pointed out that many residents have expressed gratitude for improved electricity, sewage systems, and other upgrades.

As the projects are part of a greenfield development, Rodrigues emphasised that he cannot rush contractors to complete the work hastily. “We must ensure that essential services like electricity, water, and sewage remain operational while contractors work at their own pace,” the CEO further said.