OLD GOA
The protesting GMC kiosk owners have decided to suspend their protest for now, following an assurance by St Cruz MLA Tony Fernandes that work on the kiosks would start in about 15-20 days.
The decision was taken after MLA Fernandes met the kiosk owners on Friday and informed them that they would get possession of the kiosks on December 19.
However, the kiosk owners have said they are only suspending their protest and not withdrawing it. They have threatened to resume their protest if work on the kiosks does not start by November 10.
Speaking to reporters, Fernandes said he along with Silveira had met Chief Minister Pramod Sawant a few days ago.
“The CM has assured to keep his promise made in the Assembly. The chief architect said he wants to get it done through proper channel by getting approvals from all authorities concerned like the collector, GMC authorities and others.”
“It should take around 8 days to get all approvals and around 15-20 days to get the work started as it would be done on a quotation basis as per provisions,” Fernandes said.
“I have been promised that kiosk owners would get possession of the kiosks on December 19 and it would be a permanent solution.”
Fernandes added that a total of 72 kiosk owners and vendors would be rehabilitated at the site.
“As per Collector’s demolition orders, all affected kiosk owners are going to be rehabilitated, including those doing business on the other side,” said Fernandes.
He requested the kiosk owners to withdraw their protest in light of the latest development.
Agreeing to suspend their protest, a kiosk owner, Domnic Pereira, said that they would, however, resume their protest if work on the kiosks did not start by November 10.
“If work does not start by November 10, we will resume our protest on November 11 and this time it will be a hunger strike. For now, we are respecting the MLA and the CM and we are suspending our protest,” Pereira added, expressing confidence that their rehabilitation would happen as promised.
