MARGAO
Former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat continuously emphasizes that the impressive South Goa district Collectorate building, complete with a majestic dome, is a one-of-a-kind district Collectorate building in the entire country. Built during Kamat’s tenure as Congress Chief Minister over a decade and a half ago, the Collectorate building was inaugurated on February 28, 2013, by his successor, the late Manohar Parrikar.
A decade later, the imposing structure is in need of attention. A visit to the district Collectorate revealed that the condition of the toilets and washrooms has not improved despite promises from the authorities. Only a couple of water taps are functioning, and the same is the case with urinals.
Stray dogs have been seen loitering at the entrance to the building and inside.
Moreover, despite being decked out just a decade ago, the paint has faded, and the structure is awaiting repairs.
When The Goan contacted Additional Collector-I, Srinet Kothwale, to inquire about the delay in restoring the glory of the imposing building, he mentioned that the PWD is in the process of carrying out repair works and giving the building a fresh coat of paint. He also stated that the authorities will have the stray dogs vaccinated at the ongoing camp conducted by Mission Rabies near the Collectorate building.
Curiously, the state of the building has remained the same over the last half-decade. Assurances from successive revenue Ministers, including Rohan Khaunte, Jennifer Monserrate, and the current Minister Atanasio Monserrate, have not changed the ground reality. PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral had announced on December 19 last year that the imposing Collectorate building would undergo major maintenance at a cost of Rs 97 lakh. The PWD Minister had stated that the work had already been tendered, and the file was awaiting expenditure sanction, with work expected to commence by mid-January 2023.
Unfortunately, work on the repair and maintenance of the Collectorate building has yet to begin. PWD sources revealed that two separate tenders have been issued by the department, one for internal repairs of the building, including toilets, and for painting the building.
