The state of affairs on the rear side of the South Goa Administrator of Comunidades building.
MARGAO
Even as the state government moves ahead with plans to refurbish the South Goa Administrator of Comunidades building in Margao, key stakeholders have expressed concern over the lack of consultation in the decision-making process.
Representatives of the Comunidade components have claimed they remain in the dark about the Public Works Department’s proposal to undertake the renovation. Raising the issue, attorney for the Comunidades of Margao, Aquem and Davorlim-Dicarpale, Celestin Noronha questioned whether the government intends to take the stakeholders into confidence before proceeding with the project.
Pointing out that the building is collectively owned by around 60 Comunidade components across South Goa, Noronha said there has been no communication from the authorities so far. “The components of South Goa Comunidades have not been taken into confidence regarding the refurbishment. We have no clarity on the government’s plans,” he stated, adding that he hopes PWD Minister Digambar Kamat will convene a meeting with stakeholders before work begins.
Noronha reiterated that the Comunidade components have consistently supported the restoration of the imposing structure and had, in fact, previously resolved to allocate funds for its renovation. “Our stand has always been clear. We wanted a government agency like the PWD to prepare estimates and float tenders to ensure transparency. At the same time, the components were willing to undertake the work through budgetary provisions,” he said.
With the PWD now taking charge of the refurbishment, Noronha expressed concern that the ownership rights and stakes of the Comunidade components should not be diluted in the process. “There is uncertainty about how the government plans to utilise the building space after refurbishment. We hope the interests of the components are safeguarded,” he added.
The concerns come even as the government pushes forward with its Rs 2.15 crore plan to restore the long-neglected structure, a key landmark in Margao and an administrative hub for Comunidade bodies in South Goa.
