MARGAO
The long-pending Panchayat ghar project took the centre stage at the first meeting of the newly-elected Chinchinim Panchayat body chaired by newly-elected Sarpanch Valentino Barretto.
Besides the Panchayat ghar project, the burning MRF issue also figured prominently at the meeting.
At the first meeting chaired by Sarpanch Valentino Barretto, the members have resolved to do the follow up on the long-pending Panchayat ghar cum sports complex project. The Sarpanch explained the members over the status of the Panchayat ghar project, which has been hanging fire for over a decade now, with the file now lying at the doorsteps of the Chief Minister for financial approval.
The Panchayat had recently submitted a representation to Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai to implore upon the government to take up the Panchayat ghar project and sports complex. The estimate cost of the project is pegged at around Rs 23-odd crore.
The process for the land acquisition for the project was set in motion in 2006 and though the land in question was later acquired, the intended project has not seen light of the day till date.
In fact, sources pointed out that land for the Panchayat ghar and sports complex was acquired during the tenue of former MLA and Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues over a decade ago. The project, however, did not see light of the day over the controversy that erupted over the nature of the project that should come up on the acquired land.
Incumbent AAP Velim MLA Cruz Silva will be the third MLA after Filipe Neri Rodrigues and Benjamin D’Silva, who will have to do the follow up with the government along with the Chinchinim Panchayat for sanction of funds to take the intended project to the logical conclusion.
After the meeting, the Chinchinim Sarpanch informed that the new body has decided to do the follow up on the project with the government.
On the MRF facility, which has been hanging fire in the village for a long time, the Sarpanch informed that a citizen has offered land admeasuring 500 square metres to set up the MRF facility. He, however, said the Panchayat would inspect the site before taking a call.
