Daijiworld Media Network - Vasco

Vasco, Jan 11: Urban Development Minister Vishwajit Rane on Saturday announced that Rs 150 crore has been sanctioned for Vasco under the Smart Cities Mission, aimed at upgrading infrastructure and improving civic amenities in the port town.

Addressing a large gathering at the inaugural ceremony of the long-awaited fish market and the refurbished footpaths and drains along Swatantra Path and F L Gomes Road, Rane said that the Urban Development Ministry and the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) had already sanctioned Rs 50 crore for Vasco. “In addition, Rs 150 crore has been approved under the centrally sponsored Smart Cities Mission. With these funds, Vasco will be developed into a smart city,” he said.

Responding to suggestions by Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho regarding the lack of amenities and staff at the Chicalim sub-district hospital, Rane, who also holds the health portfolio, assured that the government would take immediate steps to strengthen the facility. “The health department will soon appoint specialist doctors and additional staff and provide modern equipment to meet the needs of patients. The Chicalim sub-district hospital caters to the entire Mormugao taluka, and enhanced facilities are the need of the hour,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Rane also inaugurated the Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandir (UAAM), built under the Ayushman Bharat initiative, at the new market complex at Headland-Sada. The programme was attended by Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar and other officials.