the goan I network
OLD GOA
The Immaculate Conception Chapel Committee members in Chimbel have decided to meet the North Goa Collector in the coming days before allowing the PWD to build a road by demolishing the compound wall of the chapel.
The decision comes after the committee members deliberated on several occasions, the latest being on Sunday, to arrive at a general consensus on the best way forward on the issue.
It may be recalled that The Goan had highlighted that the chapel committee members had said that they do not have any objection for demolition of the compound wall to make way for a road so that the mishaps at the Chimbel junction could be avoided.
However, the members had sought a time frame that would be required by the PWD to complete the flyover work.
A parishioner of the chapel John Lobo informed that the members will urge the Collector to give a written assurance that the work on the flyover will be expedited on a war footing so that the same is completed by May 15, before the onset of
monsoon.
“The PWD officials are stating that they will require 2 years time to complete the flyover, which is unacceptable, because if the authorities are talking of saving lives then they should show urgency and not lethargy,” Lobo opined.
“The need of the hour is to complete at least one flyover, which has been left incomplete, and the same could be used by the vehicles coming from Kadamba road. This will go a long way in preventing accidents at the killer junction,” he added.
The members also want assurance from the Collector that the land would be handed back to the chapel committee once the flyover is operational as it won’t be utilized thereafter.
The committee members also pointed out that the dome of the chapel has developed cracks and there is likelihood that more damage will occur when heavy vehicles pass in close vicinity of the chapel.
“If there is any damage to the chapel, the government should own responsibility and repair the same,” Lobo informed while adding that the frescoes inside the church are very rare and need to be protected at any cost.
