MAPUSA
Even as the Public Works Department (PWD) targets an August deadline to complete fresh repairs at the Kala Academy, work is yet to commence on the initial evaluation of the renovation carried out earlier at the iconic cultural hub.
PWD Chief Engineer Vallabh Pai confirmed that the consultant appointed to assess the quality and performance of the previous repair work has not yet begun his evaluation.
The delay has been attributed to a personal emergency.
The consultant and his team are expected to begin work sometime after June 10.
“The consultant, who was supposed to start in the first week of June, couldn’t make it due to personal reasons. He will begin work shortly,” said Chief Engineer Vallabh Pai.
The consultant is expected to assess the quality of materials used and check whether the installations conform to relevant technical standards and safety regulations.
Based on this assessment, he will prepare a Declaration of Performance (DoP) and recommend any necessary corrective measures.
The fresh round of repairs was ordered by the State government after a technical expert committee flagged multiple deficiencies in the Rs 60-crore renovation project executed between 2021 and 2023.
The panel reported critical flaws in the structure, including acoustic deficiencies, poor air-conditioning, substandard lighting and even concerns regarding the integrity of the theatre space.
While the PWD has set August as the deadline for completing the new repair work, officials admit the delay in evaluation could impact the schedule.
“We are expected to finish by August, but with delays like this, it is difficult to say anything conclusively,” Pai said.
“Once we get the report from the consultant, the process of issuing tenders will begin, which itself takes time,” he added.
In the meantime, the Kala Academy management has been directed not to accept any theatre bookings for the months of July and August, in anticipation of the repair work.
