the goan I network
MARGAO
Alemao, who attended the gram sabha on Sunday, took the responsibility to construct the panchayat ghar, while also appealing to the panchayat not to utilise its funds for this purpose. The Benaulim MLA also promised to construct a fish market if the village provided the land for the same.
At the outset, the gram sabha passed the budget for the year 2017-18 which has a provision for an expenditure component of Rs 2.88 crore. While the opening balance is pegged at Rs 3 crore, the total is pegged at Rs 3.80 crore.
The issue of health centre for the village was raised by some locals. The gram sabha was informed that land for its construction was allocated near the Electricity office and the demarcation would be done shortly. Locals felt the health centre could be constructed under the ‘Mhajo Ganv Mhoje Goen’ scheme under the aegis of the NRI Commissionerate and the Tourism Department. However, the Electricity department has also demanded this land for the construction of a sub-station. Locals were asked to decide the priority; however, Alemao intervened to inform that the health centre planned at Benaulim would cater to Colva as well.
Locals demanded that the Traffic Department be asked to vacate the place allotted to it in the Panchayat Ghar and allot the same for the health centre. Colva Sarpanch intervened to inform the locals that a letter to this effect has already been despatched to the Traffic department and assured to send a reminder in this matter.
The members were also assured that laying of pipes for the sewerage line would be completed by December. Peeved over the dug roads being left in a pathetic state after the work, the villagers said payment for the completed works should be withheld until the road is refurbished at such contractors’ cost.
Locals were also peeved that some panchas did not attend the gram sabha and appealed to the villagers not to elect such people in the forthcoming elections. There was also a demand to withhold their salary.
