The foundation stone for our new High Court building at Porvorim was laid seven years ago on 19th December 2013. With several deadlines missed the project is yet to be completed. The work which was initially tendered for 72 crores was later increased to 90 crores and by now must be nearing 200 crores.
With the credentials of that building contractor in doubt, our High Court must conduct an independent structural audit before taking possession of the new premises. On public display across Goa are glaring poor constructions including that of highways and the connecting flyovers by this very politically well connected contractor who should have infact by now been blacklisted. Taxpayer’s money has to be very judiciously spent on every project with quality of the works never ever compromised. Every building constructed, so too every road, has to be a very lasting one. A successful project is the one which can achieve a balance between cost, time, and quality. Citizens need to be also vigilant about public projects coming up in their neighborhood as ensuring quality is everyone's responsibility. Surprisingly our High Court building has been designed like the Gujarat High Court and has no sloping roof. This is absolutely not proper in view of the very heavy rainfall Goa gets. The authorities need to take remedial measures about the roofing or else we may end up with a leaking High Court while our files float in knee deep water. Goa’s highest Temple of Justice instead of being just another concrete structure should have infact reflected the facets of unique Goan architecture. The legacy of Goa’s rich history in the field of judicial and legal services could have been placed in a better context for posterity. Now be it as it may, the High Court should take possession of the new building only once it is complete in all respects and the quality of the works ascertained and approved. This infact should be followed in every public project instead of inaugurating incomplete ventures. A classic example is the prestigious Atal Setu Bridge of which one wing is yet to come up while debris is lying all over even after almost two years of its grandiose inauguration. To ensure that every government project is properly and meticulously executed, Goa desperately needs a full- fledged Quality Control department that is well equipped to technically and administratively monitor and ensure strict compliance of established standards. There should be no room for any substandard construction. Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: [email protected] Or [email protected] You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires www.airesrodrigues.com
