the goan I network
MARGAO
The Margao Municipal Council commemorated the 114th anniversary of its iconic municipal building located in the heart of the commercial capital on Tuesday.
Margao Municipal Council Chairperson Babita Prabhudesai led the celebrations by cutting the anniversary cake in the presence of Chief Officer Siddivinayak Naik, councillors Jaffer Budani and Damu Naik, besides officials of the civic body on Tuesday noon.
While the Chairperson cut the anniversary cake to mark 114 years of building, it is craving for attention from the powers that be.
The last time the building underwent renovation was way back in 2004-05 when the building commemorated its centenary.
Sadly, the building has been craving for attention and the promised coat of paint is yet to become a reality.
While the municipality initially planned to take up the work departmentally, it was later decided to hand over the same to the Goa Urban Development Agency (GSUDA).
Incidentally, when the municipal hall was opened by the staff on Tuesday noon to host the cake cutting ceremony, the tables and sofas were all covered with dust.
The municipal workers moved inside the hall before the arrival of the Chairperson, Chief Officer Siddivinayak Naik and councillors for the cake cutting ceremony and dusted the table and chairs.
Meanwhile, in her brief address on the occasion, the Chairperson underscored the need to protect the rich heritage, saying it is the collective responsibility of all people to protect the past.
Talking about the history of the building, she said, “Then officer Caetano Camilo da Silva had ensured that the building was completed at the earliest by mobilizing funds from the people of Salcete.” All Goans should be proud of their heritage, she added.
She also extended an invitation for the people to attend the four-day Goa Heritage Festival at the Old Market-Borda area, saying the Indo-Portuguese heritage and its other facets will be showcased at the four-day festival.
Meanwhile, MMC councillor representing Borda, Glen Andrade told the media that the existing building is completing 114 years on Tuesday as it was inaugurated on 30 April 1905. The foundation stone was laid on 27th September 1902. He said that to build the imposing building the Governor imposed
heavy taxes.
This imposing new municipal building which was built by Caetano Camilo da Silva from Orlim and to construct it, the Governor imposed heavy taxes in Salcete. Such was the public resentment of the steep taxes that Arnaldo de Menezes from Raia composed the mando, ‘Kitlem Odruxtt Amchem’”, Glen recalled.
