Empty coffers and bad roads leave PWD ‘out on the street’
It’s a testing time for the state government’s Public Works Department (PWD). On the one hand, the recent heavy downpour in the state has taken its toll on roads in the state while on the other, the PWD’s empty coffers may not be in a position to meet this urgent need for better infrastructure.
Heavy rains throughout the states during last week made the condition of roads in most districts, very miserable. And what has been left visible are potholes in the name of roads. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has earned the wrath of the court on issue of potholes. The responsibility of roads, barring Mumbai and Thane, is in the jurisdiction of the PWD.
Anticipating a repetition of another court rap, the department has decided to take up repair
work. The total cost of this work is likely to touch around Rs 1,600 crore while the budgetary provision for repair work is a meagre Rs 52 crore. Now, the question before the department is how to raise money for repair work.
Officials are running from pillar to post for funds. They are even thinking of the possibility of diverting funds from other account nomenclature (head). But presently looking for a way out of the tight-spot situation, PWD seems to be in a fix.
When contacted, PWD Minister, Chagan Bhujbal said, “Yes, there is a shortage of funds. But we are trying to raise it. Our discussions are on. We have requested the Finance Minister. I am meeting the Chief Minister on this issue. Contingency fund is also there. I am sure we will be able to start the repair work as soon as possible”.