Five to six roofing sheets of the Bicholim Municipal Market were blown away by strong winds over the past two days, causing considerable hardship to vegetable and fruit vendors operating in the market. Taking serious note of the situation, MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye visited the market on Monday, inspected the damaged premises, expressed strong displeasure over the prevailing conditions, and directed the concerned officials to complete the necessary repair work within the next two to three days.
Speaking during the inspection, Dr Shetye said that he had instructed municipal officials to undertake repairs to the market roof nearly four months ago. However, the directions were not effectively implemented. He pointed out that the flying roof sheets and waterlogging inside the market during the monsoon have caused significant inconvenience and financial losses to vegetable and fruit vendors, while customers are also facing difficulties due to the accumulation of rainwater.
On Monday, several roofing sheets were blown off the market building and landed at various locations. One of the sheets got entangled in an overhead power line before falling to the ground a short while later. It struck the leg of a shopkeeper standing in front of his shop, leaving him with minor injuries. Fortunately, a major accident was averted.
MLA Dr Shetye instructed Municipal Administrator Akshay Potekar and other officials to ensure proper maintenance of the market premises. He also expressed concern over the damaged and uneven concrete slabs at several places in the market, warning that they pose a serious risk of accidents if not repaired immediately.
Officials informed that approximately Rs 1 crore has been sanctioned through the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) for the renovation of the municipal market and that the tendering process is already underway. Dr Shetye assured that all deficiencies in the market infrastructure would be addressed and said he would personally follow up to ensure that the renovation work is completed at the earliest.
During the inspection, attention was also drawn to the old canopy attached to the market building, which is in a highly dilapidated condition. Around seven to ten shops are currently operating beneath the structure. Concerns have been raised that the deteriorated slab could collapse at any time, potentially leading to a major tragedy.
Dr Shetye, accompanied by Municipal Administrator Akshay Potekar and other officials, inspected the dangerous structure and instructed the authorities to take immediate corrective measures to eliminate the risk.
