the goan I network
MAPUSA
The Aldona gram sabha on Sunday gave a go ahead to increase garbage tax but only after the panchayat completes the tendering process for garbage collection in the new financial year.
Acting on the letter of Goa Waste Management Corporation, acting sarpanch, Priyanka Pinto informed the gram sabha that there was a need to hike the garbage tax in the panchayat area.
The acting sarpanch suggested implementing door-to-door collection on a daily basis and increasing the garbage tax to Rs 500 per household per year. With increase in garbage tax, Pinto assured to put a better system in place for collection on a daily basis.
Countering the acting sarpanch, Seby Fernandes said the panchayat has failed to collect house tax on time.
He said the panchayat fails to collect the tax from every household and the burden of increase in tax will finally be borne by those who were prompt in payment.
Presently, the panchayat has been collecting door-to-door garbage on specific days and charged Rs 150 per household per annum.
Later, it was suggested that the panchayat first pass the tender for garbage collection and only then decide on hiking the garbage tax.
Locals expressed concern over waste being dumped by the roadside and urged the authorities to take strict action against those found dump ing waste in the open.
The village development plan was placed before the gram sabha, inviting suggestions from the locals. Based on the plan, the panchayat can now apply for funds under the 14th Finance Commission.
Gram sabha members also urged the panchayat to open the toilets near the post office which have been shut for a long time.
The acting sarpanch assured the members to write to the PWD to hand over the keys of the toilet to the panchayat.
