MLA’s statements on pontoon issue an eyewash: GRE

Panaji:Goenchea Ramponkaracho Ekvott (GRE) joint secretary Olencio Simoes has stated that RDA minister and Cortalim MLA, Alina Saldanha’s meetings and statements related to the grounded pontoon are an eyewash. “Why is the local MLA not initiating action against those who brought the pontoon illegally (to Arossim)?” he questioned.
While alleging that no serious efforts have been made to dislodge the grounded pontoon, Simoes also asked about who would shoulder responsibility for the environmental damage to the coast and loss of fishermen’s livelihood.
Alina hit back saying that the government believes in action. “Meetings have been held continuously, but it is not always easy as many issues are involved,” she said.
She added that her husband, Matanhy Saldanha, the ramponkar’s leader for 40 years had never mixed politics with issues. “But some want to take political mileage out of people’s problems as it is election time,” she said. tnn