What Goa Wants
By Wendell Rodricks
There are many things that Goa can change this election.
1. PLAN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR WHAT EXISTS: Politicians should not make
grand plans for future projects based on kickbacks.And the public should
not encourage cost to the exchequer that are alien to Goa's needs. Why
consider a sea link or a rail bus when it will impact the natural beauty
of Goa and we can do without such constructions? Also unfathomable is
how buildings rise on fields for people buying into Goa when there is
insufficient water and power for us living in Goa. The people of Goa
deserve a government that can deliver power, water and civic
necessities. Preserve our forests, beaches, villages and cities.
Maintain and preserve what we have instead of letting Goa get decayed.
2. CRIMINALS SHOULD BE PUNISHED: It is a sad fact that we have a foreign
and local mafia that bribes officials and get away with destroying
villages, beaches, animals and sea turtles. This must be addressed and
strictly controlled. When things have gone way beyond redemption, Goans
will resort to what they do best..nostalgia for bygone days. This is our
Goa today and we must save it for the future in the best way we can.
3. CHANGE GOA'S REPUTATION: The reputation of Goa sliding into sleaze.
There are websites on the internet that promote a sleazy beach culture.
Instead of becoming crime free like Singapore, Goa is saddled with a
reputation as the place to be for cheap booze, easily avaiable drugs,
rave parties and prostitution. Why has the government and police not
stopped websites such as www.sexygoa.com. It is a shame and an affront
to Goans.
4. CLEAN UP GOA: For over a decade the garbage on the streets, fields,in
our rivers and sea is has grown into an embarrasment. In a state known
for tourism, why is Goa not as clean as Kerala? The public is fed up of
various Ministries passing on the Garbage Buck. Enviorment, Tourism and
PWD should sit at the same table and deal with this civic menace.
Politicians, officials and the Goan public should come together for an
immediate garbage solution.
5. VOTE THOUGHTFULLY: It is time to stop thinking of personal gain and
vote in Goans that made us proud and have a vision for Goa. It is tragic
that we Goans vote in people and watch their antics like it is a tiatr.
Their antics are played out daily in the media, in Goa, nationally and
internationally. There are decent Goans in politics. We should vote them in.
(ENDS)
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First published in Goa Times (TOI), February 29, 2012
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