Solar Ferry mission is Total Commission : Yuri Alemao

Goa Khabar : Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao on Monday said that ‘Solar Ferry Mission is Total Commission’ of the Government, which was procured despite unsuitable for Goa’s river conditions.

Cuncolim MLA Yuri Alemao said that “Despite unsuitable for Goa’s river conditions, solar electric hybrid ferry was procured for approximately ₹3.97 crore. It is a scam. Solar Ferry Mission is Total Commission. This is waste of public funds,” Alemao said.

“The Captain of Ports had noted that the Solar ferry was unsuitable for Goa’s river conditions. Despite the red flags, the Solar ferry was put in operation. This was just for three months. Ferry could not carry vehicles, users were low. Ferry remained idle for last three years. Rodents damaged internal wiring,” Alemao pointed out.

“Inspite of warnings and advises to check economic viability, suitability of Solar ferry in Goan water, what made Government to procure this Solar ferry?,” he questioned.

He said that even charging infrastructure was not ready, while the ferry was purchased.

He said that the expenditure on repair of Betim Ferry boat for last five years was around Rs 1.09 Crore. “This is more than the cost of new ferry boat. New ferries cost less than what we cumulatively spend to maintain old ones,” he said.

He demanded that government should investigate this whole matter and hold responsible to those, who failed to adhere suggestions and warnings.