MAPUSA
In what could be a classic case of out of sight is out of mind, a project which was inaugurated more than six months ago has all but forgotten in Mapusa.
The new meat complex which was launched with much fanfare at the bustling Mapusa market has still not been put to use.
The beef and pork building complex was inaugurated on the eve of Independence Day last year but since then, the shutters of the building are down and the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) appears clueless about the fate of the complex which was constructed at Rs 1.5 crore.
As per the plans, the new meat complex comprises 14 stalls, which will be equally divided amongst those involved in the beef and pork business.
The beef and pork vendors, who have been operating from temporary stalls nearby, have raised concern about the delay in the opening of the new meat complex.
“We have a BJP government in power, a BJP MLA representing the constituency and a BJP controlled municipality to boot, but even after six months if they cannot open the complex, which is ready in all respect, then God save Mapusa,” exclaimed a beef vendor in sheer desperation.
“This is a clear case of inefficient and careless municipal administration. I wonder if someone will be held accountable for the delay in opening the complex,” said another vendor.
Sources in MMC informed that the civic body had made some changes in the building plan but failed to submit revised plans to the Planning and Development Authority (PDA), which led to a delay in obtaining the completion certificate.
“It's pending for PDA’s final NOC due to some revised changes made in the building plans. Without the NOC from the PDA, no activity can be started in the building,” said Hussain Shah Muzawar, Municipal Engineer-I of MMC.
“Due to the prevailing code of conduct, no decisions can be taken. The PDA board will be meeting after March 10 and during that meeting, a decision on the issue of NOC for the meat complex building is expected to be taken,” he added.
