MARGAO
The South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA), entrusted with the task of planning the commercial capital along with Ponda town, had its 100th authority meeting on Wednesday under the Chairmanship of MLA Krishna Daji Salkar, who has promised to open a new chapter in the PDA functioning and administration and bring about a financial turnaround of the planning body.
Margao MLA Digambar Kmaat was quick to shower praises on all the former SGPDA chairpersons and member secretaries and the office staff for their contribution to the development of Margao city. His Fatorda counterpart Vijai Sardesai said it is for the citizens to judge the SGPDA, adding that the planning body has not put in place the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) Post-ODP nor has it started the Post-Occupancy audit to reign in on unscrupulous builders.
“I was the SGPDA vice-chairperson. The PDA made a good beginning under the chairmanship of Fenelon Rebello. The PDA officials and staff have all contributed to the development of the city,” he said.
Sardesai said unscrupulous builders have in the past managed to get away with nonsense in the city.
“Incumbent SGPDA Chairman Krishna Salkar it appears is serious and seemed to have got support from the government to bring about a financial turnaround of the planning body,” Sardesai added.
PDA Chairman Salkar told the media that the PDA has taken a host of steps and measures which will bring about a turnaround in the functioning of the PDA, besides the wholesale fish market and the retail fish market.
“The PDA has decided to leave behind the dark phase and open a new chapter. There were questions raised about whether the PDA was working or not. We are in the process of streamlining the system and clearing the liabilities,” he said.
Salkar added: “By next year, the PDA will be self-sustaining. We will generate our own funds and will no longer depend on the government for financial support.”
He pointed out that the SGPDA has earned a revenue of Rs 18 lakh from the old market fair held in December, the highest revenue earned by the planning body in recent years.
“We have now set a target of Rs 25 lakh in the coming fair. We have also decided to give concessions to the traditional Goan carpenters showcasing their furniture at the fair,” he said.
