Aldona market building to be sealed amid safety concerns

The decision follows the collapse of some concrete parts from the structure on Friday, prompting urgent action.

Sarpanch Ashwin D’Souza stated that the panchayat decided to seal the building on July 11. “We had started issuing notices to the businessmen operating within the market premises a couple of months back. All entry points to the building will be shut. We followed all necessary procedures,” D’Souza said.

He added that demolition of the building would follow at a later date. The market building, constructed in 1971, has been in a state of severe disrepair, with numerous cracks in the walls and significant portions of concrete and cement having fallen away, exposing the iron bars within. The structure has been leaking during rains, with temporary repairs proving insufficient to address the ongoing issues. Despite covering the leaking roof with pipes, the building has remained unsafe.

Approximately ten years ago, an inspection by the Goa Engineering College classified the building as extremely dangerous and unsafe. Following this assessment, notices were issued to the businessmen operating within the premises, urging them to vacate. However, the momentum to relocate waned over time, leaving around 30 small and big vendors, including fish and vegetable sellers, to continue their businesses in the building.

Due to the hazardous conditions, many vendors have been conducting their businesses outside the building, on the roadside. With the recent incidents highlighting the building's precarious state, the panchayat has taken decisive action to ensure public safety. Notices have been issued to all vendors, mandating them to vacate the premises within 24 hours.

The market land, owned partly by the church and partly by the comunidade, is leased to the panchayat. Sarpanch D’Souza emphasised the unanimous support of panchayat members and MLA Carlos Ferreira in ensuring the safety of citizens by sealing the hazardous structure.