Daijiworld Media Network - Mapusa
Mapusa, Jul 29: Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao on Monday launched a fierce attack on the Goa government, denouncing the Rs 3.97 crore purchase of a solar-electric hybrid ferry as a "wasteful and unviable" decision that reeks of corruption.
Raising the issue in the Legislative Assembly, Alemao alleged that the government ignored explicit warnings from the Captain of Ports, who had flagged the ferry as both technically and economically unsuitable for operations in Goan waters.
“Despite being cautioned, the department went ahead with the purchase. This is nothing short of a scam—commission cleverly masked as climate-conscious governance,” Alemao declared. “It’s a fraud worth nearly Rs 4 crore. Who is accountable for this?”
He further accused the state of reckless spending on ferry upkeep, stating that over Rs 35 crore had been spent on maintenance in just six years. Citing the ‘Betim’ ferry as an example, Alemao pointed out that over Rs 1 crore was spent on maintenance—despite the original cost of such ferries ranging between Rs 63 lakh and Rs 1.3 crore.
In response, River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai admitted the solar ferry, named ‘St Pedro’, had failed to meet expectations. The ferry was operational for only three months before being withdrawn due to electrical malfunctions and poor performance.
“It was not built as per specifications. As a result, we’ve withheld the final payment of Rs 59.37 lakh to the supplier,” Dessai told the Assembly. He added that the matter has been escalated to the Goa Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council under the Directorate of Industries for resolution.
While defending the government’s position, Dessai noted that the ferry was certified by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and surveyed accordingly. He revealed that the government is exploring the option of leasing the ferry to a private agency, with one party already expressing interest in operating it on a rental basis.
Addressing broader concerns over ferry operations, the minister explained that Goa’s fleet of 32 ferries serves 18 routes, with many vessels in service for 15–20 years. “These ferries operate for nearly 18 hours a day. Maintenance is a necessity, and costs naturally accumulate over time,” he said, defending the expenditure.
As political tempers rise over the failed solar ferry project, the Opposition has intensified its demand for transparency and accountability in public spending.