the goan I network
MAPUSA
Stating that self-sustaining projects were the need of the hour, Urban Development Minister Milind Naik on Thursday said civic bodies across the State should focus on projects that will generate funds and help them to sustain financially.
“Some of the municipalities have understood the importance of projects that help generate income. The civic bodies of Margao, Vasco and Mapusa have already taken steps to establish such self-sustaining projects,” Naik said.
The Urban Development Minister was speaking after laying the foundation stone for a new commercial complex at Angod in Mapusa.
Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza, Mapusa Municipal Council Chairperson Ryan Braganza, Vice-Chairperson Marlene D’Souza, DMA Tariq Thomas, MMC Chief Officer Clen Madeira and other officials and councillors were also present.
Naik applauded the efforts of Mapusa Municipal Council for coming up with the idea of building a commercial project in the heart of the city.
“It’s a very good project which will help the council to generate funds in future. All the councillors should work together so that the project is completed in time,” he said.
The commercial complex consisting of ground plus six floors will come up on land housing the municipal garage in Angod, Mapusa.
The project is estimated to cost Rs 20 crore and is expected to be completed with 18 months. The work has been taken up under the aegis of Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA).
Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza said the project, which was envisaged during former MLA late Francis D’Souza’s time, was pending for many years.
“Mapusa Municipal Council needs to generate its own income. We have to self-sustain instead of relying on State funds. We can generate a lot of income by starting such self-sustaining projects,” D’Souza said.
He said the Alankar project thought on similar lines was also in the pipeline.
