All eyes on MMC as structural stability test report on Dawood building recommends repairs, rectifications
Uncertainty remains over how the civic body will compel owner to undertake repairs; GCE recommends evacuation and restrictions on heavy loading and movement until structural repairs are completed
THE GOAN NETWORK
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File photo of Dawood building engulfed in fire on April 9.
MARGAO The structural stability test conducted on the Dawood building, which was engulfed by major fire over a month ago, has recommended repairs and rectifications to the decades-old structure.
The Goa College of Engineering report, however, has called to restrict heavy loading and movement of persons on all floors until rectification is completed. It is recommended to temporarily evacuate inhabitants of building for safety until repairs are complete.
Besides, the report has called for removal of plaster and recommended painting along with waterproofing treatments on intact walls to limit seepage temporarily. Walls that are deflected or subject to fire damage should be reconstructed, the report stated.
Incidentally, the authorities had evacuated the inhabitants, numbering around 45 families, mostly tenants, inhabiting the building.
Repair to the building, including repairs to the beams and other structures, which had all come under the lens of the Goa College of Engineering (GCE) team.
A Municipal engineer informed that the report has called for restricting the movement of people in the building until completion of the rectification work.
With the GCE submitting its report to the Margao Municipal Council, which had requisitioned its services after the April 9 fire incident, the focus of attention is now on the Margao Municipal Council and its Chief Officer how the civic body will go about the matter.
For, the structural stability report has called for repairs to the building before allowing inhabitation of the structure by the residents. It is not yet clear how the civic body will get the owner carry out repairs to the ill-fated building. For, in most cases, the owners have stayed away from undertaking repairs with the tenants paying pittance rent not sufficient to ensure the upkeep and maintenance of the building.
The Dawood building, which plays host to around 300-odd voters in any election, had come under the scanner of the authorities, after the building was engulfed by a major fire on April 9. While the top floor of the building was damaged in the inferno, the authorities had evacuated the inhabitants the same day, prohibiting the entry into the building till the structural stability test was conducted by the GCE.
Building repairs, stability test report: Who’ll foot the bill?
MARGAO: With the structural stability test report on the Dawood building recommending repairs, the million dollar question that remains unanswered is “ who will undertake the repairs to the building?
It’s also unclear who will foot the bill for the structural stability test report on the Dawood building, with the Margao Municipal Council, which has requisitioned the services of the Goa College of Engineering, will make the initial payment to the agency. These questions have come to the fore as the Dawood building is mostly occupied by dozens of tenants. It remains to be seen whether the owner will undertake the repair work considering the present rent paid by the tenants.
Take note, the MMC will be required to pay a whopping Rs 50,000 to the GCE “ around Rs 23,000 for the College and an additional Rs 27,000, for the specialised services the College had requisitioned to conduct the stability test on the old building.
A Municipal official informed that the civic body will have to foot the bill of the structural stability test report given that the agency was engaged by the MMC. “The Council will have to take the decision whether to recover the amount from the building owner. And, we will have to wait and see whether the owner pays the amount if the Council sends him the bill,” remarked a civic official.
MARGAO: Considering the public safety concerns, South Goa District Disaster Management Authority, district Collector, Egna Cleetus has directed the Executive Engineer, PWD VIII (Buildings) to obtain structural stability reports from the Goa College of Engineering, Farmagudi for the 21 buildings identified as unsafe by the Margao Municipal Council.
Upon receipt of the reports, the Authority will examine the matter for issuing further suitable directions in accordance with the provisions of law.
The District Collector has issued the order after the Margao Municipal Chief Officer maintained that the concerned owners have not submitted the structural stability reports, and are unable to procure the same from Goa College of Engineering (GEC), Farmagudi, which falls under the purview of the Municipal Council. “This office is in receipt of a communication from the Chief Officer, Margao Municipal Council (MMC), wherein it has been submitted that a total of 21 buildings have been identified as unsafe dilapidated structures,” the Collector stated in her order.
Madganvcho Awaaz submits 5-point plan to tackle unsafe buildings
MARGAO: Raising alarm of the collapse of portions of two buildings in Margao, Madganvcho Awaaz has proposed a five-point action plan to the district Collector in consultation with structural experts and concerned citizens, including a key recommendation for the immediate evacuation and demolition of high-risk structures to prevent further damage to lives.
Submitting a formal representation to the South Goa Collector, Madganvcho Awaaz convenor Prabhav Naik said the incidents of building collapse highlight the urgent need for decisive, coordinated action to address the growing threat posed by structurally unsafe buildings, especially with the IMD forecasting heavy rains.
He said the action plan includes conducting structural audits of old buildings, categorising them based on risk levels, and ensuring timely public alerts and awareness among residents and stakeholders about safety responsibilities.
The group also advocates for the creation of temporary shelters for displaced residents, and mediation mechanisms to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants that may delay critical safety action.
Additionally, Madganvcho Awaaz has urged the government to issue an ordinance, followed by legislation, empowering local authorities to act swiftly on unsafe buildings. The representation also calls for monitoring and enforcement through a dedicated task force, along with penalties for non-compliance.
“The safety of citizens cannot be compromised by administrative delays or ownership disputes,” the memorandum added.
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File photo of Dawood building engulfed in fire on April 9.
