MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday assured the formation of a committee comprising "genuine" artists to review the renovation work at the Kala Academy and consider suggestions from the Charles Correa Foundation.
Sawant was replying to a belligerent Opposition led by Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai, who lambasted the State government for alleged sub-standard renovation work and demanded the formation of a House Committee to investigate the matter.
The CM also assured to prepare a comprehensive report of the works on KA and place it in the House in the next Assembly session.
Sardesai highlighted significant defects in the cultural centre just a year after its renovation.
He pointed out that while the Public Works Department (PWD) denied any faults, the Charles Correa Foundation's public presentation revealed several issues.
"If my newly built house showed defects within a year, I would demand an explanation from the contractor. What action is the government contemplating against the contractors for the poor work on Goa’s iconic cultural centre?" Sardesai questioned.
He added that artists across the State are unhappy with the changes made to the KA, noting that the colour of the seat covers was changed from red to black, the floor mattress was downgraded and the sound system was inadequate.
Sardesai accused Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude of making these decisions without expertise, calling the project a "waste of Rs 75 crore."
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao emphasized the need to maintain the KA's sanctity, pointing out several instances of sub-standard work, including faulty microphones, poor light control, improperly placed AC units, and low-quality carpets.
He called for an audit of the renovation work and questioned whether the PWD would be held accountable.
Chief Minister Sawant responded by stating that the renovation was completed and handed over on January 9.
He assured that the contract includes a three-year defect liability period and a five-year maintenance period, during which any defects would be addressed at the contractor's cost.
He mentioned minor issues had already been resolved and announced plans to task IIT Bombay with a structural stability report of the complex.
Sawant noted that previous assessments by IIT Bombay and IIT Hyderabad had confirmed the weakness of the open auditorium, which had subsequently collapsed.
He attributed the collapse of a part of the false ceiling to unseasonal rainwater accumulation.
Sawant reiterated the government's commitment to forming a committee of genuine artists to provide suggestions for the KA and assured that any recommendations from the Charles Correa Foundation would be considered.
Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira and Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas also voiced concerns, with Viegas demanding an FIR into the alleged sub-standard work by the contractor.
