the goan I network
MARGAO
Over half a decade after the Cuncolim Municipal Council acquired land for a proposed Administrative complex in the town, there's a ray of hope that the multi-crore project will finally see the light of day.
Decks have been finally cleared for the construction of the multi-storey Administrative complex in Cuncolim with the government revoking a three-year old letter issued by the Director of Municipal Administration not to proceed with the multi-crore project on the controversy ridden acquisition of land admeasuring 8,825 sq mts.
Director of Municipal Administration J Ashok Kumar has not only conveyed the government's approval to withdraw the January 3, 2014 letter of his predecessor Elvis Gomes, but has directed Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) to proceed with the appointment of a consultant to execute the project.
Former DMA Elvis Gomes had in January 2014 issued a note keeping on hold the execution of the Administrative complex project after a farmer Vishnu Desai went on a hunger strike demanding return of the acquired land for cultivation.
Much water, however, has flown down the River Sal since 2014 and the recent action by the Cuncolim Municipal Council Chief Officer, Shankar Gaonkar to take possession of the acquired agricultural field by clearing all encroachments had also paved the way for the government to go ahead with the construction of the Administrative complex.
The land acquisition battle had even reached the Supreme Court after the farmer Vishnu Desai had challenged the government's move to acquire his agricultural field, but in vain.
Cuncolim Municipal Councillor Mario Moraes said the latest government's decision revoking the previous DMA's letter will certainly set in motion the process to construct the long-delayed Administrative complex. "This Administrative complex will not only house the Cuncolim Municipality, but will accommodate various public utility offices such as electricity, BSNL, post office, banks, talathi, etc under one roof," Moraes said.
He pointed out that while the government will now go ahead and appoint a consultant to prepare the project report, Moraes exuded confidence that the government will lay the foundation stone for the project on December 19. "The project will be built under the GSUDA scheme. Initially, the project cost was estimated around Rs 18 crore, but it might now jump to Rs 25 plus crore," he added.
The project will be built under the GSUDA scheme. Initially, the project cost was estimated around Rs 18 crore, but it might now jump to Rs 25 plus crore and exudes confidence that the government will lay the foundation stone for the project on December 19
- Mario Moraes,
CMC councillor
