Public Funds Down The Drain

This first appeared in the Heraldo dated Jun 2021

 

The recent fiasco at Orlim, where a protection wall is in shambles because of many reasons. Design, given that is built in the fields and the area would be prone to water logging. Quality of work, one end which does not appear to be damaged, does not inspire confidence. Possibly it would have got covered with the tiles. Responsibility, is anyone responsible? Is it only the contractor/consultant, are these projects where public money is spent not supervised by the Government agency tasked with getting the job done.

 

It is the GSIDC, who clarified that a consultant has been appointed and the problem is either adequate weep holes designed were not provided or blocked. At this stage issuing a clarification and not knowing the exact status, i.e. were weep holes provided as per design? Yes or No. If they got blocked in the first rain they were not adequately designed for sure.

 

The local MLA was quick to say that the contractor will be made to repair the wall at his cost. Small consolation, since the contractor is not blacklisted, he will be compensated subsequently. What about the consultant, if the weep holes were inadequate or not provided, who inspected and approved. Inspectors may turn a blind eye but nature is unforgiving.

 

Look at the new highway under construction across Goa. The fact that a section of the Atal Sethu bridge has multiple problems within a year of commissioning, speaks volumes of the quality. Wonder what will be in store as the years go by. The bridge was closed from one side and repaired or rather band-aid applied. This too has failed. The contractor in this case is one of India’s leading construction companies. The road surface on the bridge has developed potholes and the second rains has just begun, what does one expect after a few years, who will be responsible for its maintenance if at the start it needs so much rework.

 

Unfortunately, we have got used to this shoddy work and substandard materials. It is normal and expected. We build drains where the sides collapse and the cement concrete covers turn to powder leaving gaping holes, ugly and dangerous iron bars protruding, endangering life and limb. Take the contract, execute and forget it, how did it get approved in the inspection, are concrete samples taken and tested. Are reports made?

 

Recently, the Government invested heavily on ventilators, we were assured that they cost more because they are better than the ones supplied under PM Cares Fund. However the reality is different. They do not work, they are to be kept on and are noisy, or else the battery dies. Where is the quality check? Who is monitoring these machines and if they are not as per specification, why are they not replaced by the manufacturer? Is there a system where actual users can feedback their grievances so that the decision makers can take cognizance and act against errant suppliers? The Health Minister correctly asked for a judicial review but this has been not vetoed by the Government in court.

 

On the beaches of South Goa, dust bins have been installed, they have the embossed logo of some random institution, “KCIC”. Why? Is it that the supplier had excess bins or they were rejected by that customer and now sold to GWMC? Who signed the inspection note for these bins. If they were donated then, it is ok, if the government paid for them, then it is a question of public money. Was this part of the deal, wrong logo so price discounted, not possible in a tender system as the option will not exist.

 

Why is it that we the citizens have absolutely no redressal when it comes to wastage of public funds. Why is it that we have to accept shoddy work which endangers our life and limb and have no way to bring it to the notice of the authorities who are actually supposed to know in the first place. Actually they are not just supposed to know, they are supposed to ensure that the work done or material supplied is perfect.

 

What are the solutions to improve this pathetic State of affairs. One, the Government can put the specifications that are ordered online so everyone knows what is to be delivered. Two, the inspections reports which are approved by the inspectors should be also put up online against the specifications. This way citizens will know what was ordered and what was delivered. The transparency will help to ensure proper delivery of service. Importantly, while the work is being executed, people can observe and notify the authorities if there is something amiss. QR codes can be posted at the work site which will give direct access to person responsible for that work. Technology can be leveraged.

 

Three, put the name and contact no of the person signing the order, who can be informed if the service or goods are not performing up to the mark. In the case of ventilators, the patients relative could have complained, because the medical staff on duty may be scared to do so, and hence it will go unnoticed. In the case of a drain cover crumbling, the concerned official may be sitting in the HQ at Panaji and the drain would have collapsed in Davorlim.

 

The Government will do well to review this ordering and execution for public projects so that it ensures public money is not sent down the drain anymore.