the goan I network
MARGAO
Defending the Margao Municipal Council’s decision to extend the Sopo contract with only a 15 per cent hike when the city fathers had insisted on a 25 per cent increase, Margao Municipal Council Chairperson Babita Prabhudesai said the 15 per cent hike was worked out after taking into account the GST the contractor would be liable to pay.
The Shadow Council of Margao, however, has slammed the civic body for beginning the new financial year on a controversial note, alleging that the elected council connived with the Sopo contractor over the collecting rights with an increase of 15 per cent only.
As the council extended the Sopo contract by a month with a 15 per cent hike when the special meeting had called for extending the contract with a 25 per cent hike, Chairperson Babita stood firm on her decision.
“At the meeting, though some councilors had demanded extension of the Sopo contract, I had made it clear that the hike should be between 15 and 20 per cent. In view of the 18 per cent GST the contractor was liable, it was finally decided to levy only a 15 per cent hike,” she added.
More over, she reiterated her stand that the municipality staff will not be able to handle Sopo collection when the civic body will soon start the anti-plastic drive in the city.
Meanwhile, Shadow Council Convenor Savio Coutinho said, “As known to all, the tendering process for Sopo collection was deliberately delayed in order to grant extension to the old contractor, much against the rules. At a council meeting held on March 28, the elected body bull-dozzed through its intention to favor the contractor. The decision itself, though being against the interest of the council, was passed by voting, exposing the nexus between the elected body and the Sopo Contractor.”
Coutinho further said the council resolution has been manipulated to suit the interest of the contractor, while disclosing plans to challenge the council decision before the competent authorities.
