MAPUSA
Waste management, water scarcity and poor road conditions took centre stage at the Aldona gram sabha on Sunday, with villagers demanding swift action from the panchayat to address these pressing concerns.
Waste management challenges
Residents voiced frustration over the lack of proper waste disposal systems, particularly in multi-dwelling buildings and villa colonies.
They highlighted the absence of dustbins and garbage segregation mechanisms in these developments, which led to waste being left outside gates on collection days.
Sarpanch Ashwin D’Souza assured that the panchayat would issue a public notice to housing societies, mandating the establishment of proper waste management systems, including bins. He warned that failure to comply would result in necessary action.
Water scarcity concerns
Water scarcity emerged as a significant concern during the meeting.
Local resident Cosme Fernandes proposed that the panchayat should require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Public Works Department (PWD) for water supply before granting construction licences.
The sarpanch, however, stated that no provision for such a requirement exists under the Goa Panchayati Raj Act.
Fernandes countered this by citing similar practices in neighbouring villages like Siolim and Assagao.
The sarpanch requested additional details on the matter for further consideration.
Poor road conditions
Villagers expressed dissatisfaction with the state of roads in Aldona, which have been rendered non-motorable due to ongoing underground cabling work.
They urged the panchayat to coordinate with relevant departments to ensure road resurfacing is completed before the monsoon.
The sarpanch assured that he would follow up with Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira, the PWD and the electricity department to address the issue.
New market complex
Providing updates on the proposed new market complex, D’Souza informed that the necessary files had been cleared at the panchayat level and are now with the government and the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) for approval and execution.
During the discussion, local resident Savio Figueiredo emphasised the need for gram sabha meetings and the panchayat building to be disability-friendly, in line with government directives.
The sarpanch committed to exploring the possibility of holding future meetings at the Aldona Institute, a more accessible venue.
He also assured that the upcoming market and panchayat building would include provisions for people with disabilities.
