PANAJI
As controversies refuse to stay away from Kala Academy’s renovation, fresh allegations have emerged against the government for awarding the contract to the same firm that previously installed faulty sound and lighting equipment.
The Kala Rakhonn Mandd (KRM) has alleged that Rs 2 crore is allocated for new equipment purchases from the same contractor, despite their previous installations of substandard quality.
“There should be an immediate halt to additional expenditures on new light and sound equipment. It is unacceptable that another Rs 2 crore is allocated to equipment purchases from the same contractors who installed sub-standard products in the first phase. Goa government should not spend additional funds but get the sub-standard and duplicate equipment replaced by the same contractor,” KRM Secretary Cecille Rodrigues said.
In the letter to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, KRM also strongly opposed the appointment of a new advisor for lighting, considering its role as sub-contractor responsible for the current sub-standard and duplicate equipment installed at Kala Academy.
“This is nothing but giving a free hand to the same corrupt contractors and sub-contractors rather than blacklisting them,” Rodrigues alleged.
The group reminded the CM of his assurances in the Legislative Assembly regarding a transparent renovation process and the involvement of all stakeholders, including members of KRM and the Charles Correa Foundation to review the works. “Despite your promises, we are disheartened that the situation has only deteriorated. The iconic cultural complex continues to suffer from shoddy construction, faulty acoustics, improper noise reduction, and substandard lighting equipment,” she further stated.
She described the entire renovation process as a “stark failure” and a waste of public funds.
As a result, the KRM has demanded a white paper detailing the restoration process, including timelines, contractors and expenditures; and the formation of a review committee comprising artists, KRM members and the Charles Correa Foundation to assess the ongoing works. Failure to do so within the next fortnight, KRM warned of a state-wide agitation.
