Covid rebate rollback: Cuncolim residents face garbage fee dues

MARGAO
A resolution passed by the Cuncolim Municipal Council (CMC) granting a 50 per cent rebate on garbage fees during the COVID-19 pandemic has returned to haunt residents, with the civic body now initiating steps to recover arrears following audit objections.

After a government audit flagged the rebate as resulting in a revenue loss, CMC Chief Officer Vimod Dalal has begun the process of recovering dues, estimated at around Rs 1,400 per household.

The move has sparked concern among residents, who say they have been issued notices demanding payment of sanitary tax arrears dating back to 2020. Many have expressed surprise at the demand, stating they were unaware of any formal municipal notification regarding the rollback of the rebate, especially during a period marked by widespread financial hardship.

In a memorandum submitted to the council, residents described the arrears as excessive and unaffordable for many middle-class families. They have urged the civic body to consider waiving or reducing the charges.

“We hope the council will understand our situation and take a sympathetic and practical decision in this matter. Otherwise, there may be unrest among residents,” the memorandum stated.

Responding to queries, Chief Officer Vimod Dalal said the council’s action follows directives based on audit recommendations. He explained that the municipality had received correspondence from the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) regarding audit objections, prompting the recovery process.

According to Dalal, the council has begun issuing notices to households, with around 800 notices already served.

Addressing concerns over the financial burden of a lump-sum payment, Dalal said the municipality is open to allowing instalment-based payments. “We can make arrangements for residents to pay the arrears in instalments if they are unable to make a one-time payment,” he said, adding that such arrangements would require the submission of post-dated cheques.

The development has placed the civic body and residents at odds, with calls growing for a more balanced approach to resolving the issue.