Quepem Police Station Project Approaches Completion After Nine-Year Saga
The construction of the Quepem police station building in Goa, which began nearly a decade ago, is now in its final stages. However, the project remains incomplete due to pending finishing work, as revealed in a recent legislative assembly question (LAQ) reply to MLA Altone D’Costa. The reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structure is fully constructed, but the final touches await expenditure approval, and no work order has been issued to the contractor yet.
A History of Delays and Financial Hurdles
This infrastructure project has a complex and troubled history. It was first approved in November 2016, with expenditure sanction granted in January 2020 at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore. The contract was awarded to Shivam Infratech, and work commenced in February 2020 with a deadline set for February 2021. While the main RCC structure and septic tanks were completed, funds were exhausted before the finishing work could be done. The agreement was subsequently terminated after more than Rs 4 crore was spent between the 2020-21 and 2024-25 financial periods.
In the LAQ reply, PWD minister Digambar Kamat explained that a significant cost blowout occurred due to a change in the foundation design. After soil tests conducted by a PWD-appointed consultant, it was recommended to switch from an isolated foundation to a raft foundation. This alteration increased the requirements for concrete, steel, and excavation, ultimately depleting the allocated funds before the project could be finished.
Fresh Estimates and Ongoing Challenges
A new estimate of Rs 5.2 crore has been prepared to cover the final finishing works, utility services, compound wall construction, and landscaping. The work has been tendered and awarded again to Shivam Infratech for over Rs 4 crore, but the crucial expenditure sanction is still pending, delaying progress further.
The completed building is designed to house the office of the sub-divisional police officer (SDPO), with one floor allocated for the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB). Additional facilities will include a library, canteen, conference hall, and surveillance room, enhancing the operational capabilities of the police force in the region.
Lack of Accountability and Revised Timeline
Notably, the LAQ reply does not mention any action initiated against officials or agencies responsible for the prolonged delay. Furthermore, it fails to provide a revised completion date, leaving the timeline for the project's finalization uncertain. This omission raises questions about accountability and future planning for such public infrastructure projects in Goa.
The Quepem police station saga highlights common challenges in government construction projects, including design changes, cost overruns, and bureaucratic delays. As the building nears completion, stakeholders await the necessary approvals to bring this long-awaited facility into full operation.
