MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the Goa Legislative Assembly on Tuesday that the Assembly building is structurally safe, following a comprehensive audit conducted by a reputed agency a year ago.
Sawant’s statement comes in response to concerns about the structural integrity of government buildings in the State.
Sawant informed the House that 110 unsafe government buildings are slated for demolition, while the remaining structures are deemed structurally sound but may require minor repairs.
He said 91 government buildings have been completely repaired and repair and reconstruction efforts are underway or proposed for 105 buildings on a priority basis, with an additional 246 buildings identified for urgent maintenance work.
He further disclosed that the government has allocated Rs 600 crore for the repair, maintenance, and construction of various government buildings.
“The Assembly building is safe, and its structural audit was carried out by a reputed agency one year ago. This issue should not be discussed in the House,” Sawant asserted.
However, he agreed to present the structural audit report separately to the Speaker after Opposition MLAs demanded its release.
Despite the assurances, the Assembly building has faced issues with roof leakage, affecting areas such as the central assembly hall, library, and various cabins.
Senior Public Works Department (PWD) officials had revealed that waterproofing work on the roof, costing approximately Rs 2 crore, was undertaken, with additional work planned post-monsoon.
Addressing opposition concerns, Sawant emphasised that the government conducts regular audits of all government buildings and relocates people and staff if major repairs are required.
He mentioned that the Mathany Saldanha building requires only minor maintenance, such as painting and toilet repairs. Similarly, the Marquinez Palace, used for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), undergoes minor maintenance before each event. Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas highlighted that 381 government buildings have been declared dilapidated yet continue to be used, putting lives at risk. He specifically mentioned the deteriorating condition of the Social Welfare Building, a heritage structure, and called for a comprehensive repair plan with timelines.
In response, Sawant assured that the Social Welfare Department will be relocated to Porvorim soon, and the heritage building will be renovated.
He committed to repairing all heritage buildings in the State by March 31, 2025.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao questioned the rise in the number of unsafe buildings, from 167 last year to 381 this year, and stressed the importance of sufficient funding to address the issue.
Sawant reiterated the Rs 600 crore provision and explained that the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) also undertakes major renovation projects.
He affirmed that the government follows proper procedures to prevent occupancy of unsafe buildings.
In response to a question from Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira, Sawant confirmed that the government is currently updating its inventory of all government-owned buildings. This update is being managed through an online system developed by the PWD. The inventory will include details such as the name of the building, its location, and the corresponding Assembly constituency, he said.
Additionally, Sawant was asked about the time frame for addressing these repairs and maintenance needs. Unfortunately, no specific time frames for individual buildings were provided in the response.
Sawant’s assurances aim to address the Opposition’s concerns and ensure the safety and preservation of Goa’s government and heritage buildings.
