Will repair roads on priority, report on ‘worst’ roads sought by Mon: Kamat

Panaji: The newly sworn-in PWD minister Digambar Kamat on Wednesday took charge of office and said he would prioritise the repair of roads in the worst condition.

“Different presentations were made to me by PWD officials, and I gave my feedback accordingly. I told them what to do. I said the roads in the worst condition should be identified first, followed by those in the next rung. Then we will decide how to go about making roads normal. They already have the report of different roads with them, and will compile them now,” said Kamat after holding a meeting with PWD officials at the department headquarters in Altinho on Wednesday evening.

Earlier in the day, he took charge in his office in the minister’s block in Porvorim.

“The PWD ministry is very important for infrastructure projects and the development of roads. First, I will conduct an entire review, and then I will decide my policies. I did the same when I took over previously as the power minister. My policies will address what needs to be done in the short term, and in the long term, we will decide priorities, such as potholed roads,” said Kamat.

Revenue minister and Panaji MLA Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate met Kamat at his office and sought immediate intervention to repair Panaji’s roads. “He assured me they would be repaired. Panaji is the capital and all major events take place there. Roads in Panaji need to be in tiptop condition. Smart City has done some of the roads, but others were to be done by the PWD,” said Monserrate.