OLD GOA
The corner stone for the Goa Bazaar was laid in Merces nearly 20 years after the project was first initialised.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant unveiled the foundation stone in the presence of St Cruz MLA Tony Fernandes, Chimbel ZP member Girish Uskaikar, North DRDA Project Director Meena Goltekar, Anil Hoble, Merces Sarpanch Geeta Kavlekar and others.
“Since 2002, no government thought about the project but my government took up the initiative of laying the foundation stone, 20 years after the Centre allocated Rs 5 crore for the same,” said Sawant.
“Our government works for the upliftment of women and the Goa Bazaar is one step towards making women swayampurna,” Sawant stated and informed that those who are associated with National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) will be able to take advantage of the same.
“The criteria to avail stalls at Goa Bazaar would be to have association with NRLM and link with RDA,” he added and stated that there would be no need to pay rent with the beneficiaries able to sell agriculture produce, food products, artisan products, etc.
Sawant also informed that the total cost of the project is Rs 48 crore and it would be built on an area of 17,400 square metres.
“It is likely to be completed within one-and-half years,” he stated.
“The Goa Bazaar will have a Mahila Mall, which will be the first of its kind in the State. It will also house the RDA office, shopping complex, food court, etc,” Sawant added.
