PANJIM: The ongoing Smart City works has claimed the fourth life, this time at Ribandar, raising concerns and anger among people. The Smart City roads have become a death trap and with no choice left, people are compelled to use these roads by risking their lives. After claiming a life on Saturday, the Ribandar road is now being tarred. In this edition of Street Voices, Herald TV spoke to people, on the four recent deaths reported due to Smart City linked works. Who will pay for the loss of these lives?
Four deaths have taken place in the last one year due to Smart City works. Now who will take the responsibility. There should be some accountability. I am of the opinion that the concerned contractor who has done the work should pay compensation to the victim’s family Rs 1 crore. Unless and until we set an example and things are not brought to the logical end, these type of things will continue.
Anthony D’Silva, Social Activist
Over the last two three years, we see the Smart City contractor is doing the work negligently. There are no proper sign board, there are no proper safety measures. The work done is not of good quality. Four of our Goans have died in accidents. Who is responsible for this? Is the government questioning the contractor, why have you done such poor work? They dig anytime at any place, so many cars have got stuck in sink holes in the roads. People have suffered badly during the rains. After spending crores, and taking the lives of people, we don’t want such a Smart City.
Xencor Polji, Social Activist
There were not only four deaths, there are other deaths which went unreported. There are many people who are bedridden, due to Smart City work, who is to blame? Is there a chance to get justice and compensate the victims? They do study tours to study other countries, but there is no benefit to Goa. If they had to implement what they see in foreign countries, these deaths would not have occurred.
Mariano Ferrao, Social Activist
The question is, can someone pay for the loss of lives? However, the government definitely has to pay compensation immediately to the next of kin. The government is quiet. The government is not even bothered on its own to hold someone responsible and file a criminal negligence complaint against the contractor or the MD (of Smart City) who is overseeing. They are silent, for them a loss of life is nothing. In fact, I have filed a complaint at the police station and later on I have filed a petition in the court. I will follow it up till it reaches the logical conclusion.
Trajano D’Mello, Political Commentator