the goan I network
PORVORIM
Porvorim plateau may be developing at a rapid pace but it is quite a different story at the Porvorim’s market complex, where construction work has missed several deadlines and been dragging on for the past four years.
What’s more, a minister has even blamed the contractor engaged in the project of snubbing an ultimatum to complete the project by September.
The market complex cum sports ground near Hanuman temple in Goa Housing Board at Alto Betim has been a victim of several delays every since the foundation stone to the project was laid in February 2013.
Work, however, began only in March 2014 and officials of Goa Housing Board (GHB) had assured at the time that the project would be completed within 18 months.
Since the project did not get completed on schedule, shopkeepers at the old market located in Housing Board colony had submitted a memorandum to the GHB, requesting them to expedite the project.
The shopkeepers wanted to be shifted to new market as the old market had weakened considerably and they feared it could collapse at any time.
Revenue Minister and Porvorim MLA Rohan Khunte had several discussions with Housing Minister Jayesh Salgaonkar and GHB officials, requesting them to hasten work on the project.
When contacted, Housing Minister Jayesh Salgaonkar said the GHB was equally eager to complete the project quickly, but said they were not getting the required support from the contractor.
“The contractor is doing the work to the extent he receives payments from the GHB. Around 70% work at the project has been completed.”
“The GHB has given an an ultimatum to the contractor to complete the balance 30% of the work by September, failing which he would be charged a penalty of Rs 15,000 per day as per GHB rules.”
“Despite all this, if the contractor fails to complete the project, the GHB will appoint a new contractor and will complete the project,” assured Salgaonkar.
A visit to the site revealed that the work on the project showed no signs of picking up pace, making it virtually impossible for the market complex to be completed by September.
