PANAJI
Days after ordering an audit of the works of recently renovated Kala Academy, the State government has now decided to pump in additional Rs 10.56 cr to undertake the repair of the renovated structure. The iconic Kala Academy building was renovated at a cost of Rs 56 crore over a period of three years since 2021.
The extensive renovation and strengthening of Kala Academy was in progress since 2021 before it was thrown open to public in November 2023.
Highly placed sources informed that during a meeting held recently by the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds PWD portfolio, a decision was taken to spend another Rs 10.56 cr to repair the renovated structure. PWD is the nodal agency for undertaking the renovation work.
"CM has issued clear directions to the PWD chief engineer to ensure that all the repair works are done on top priority and special precautions are taken during monsoons to avoid any leakage and flooding," sources said.
Sources also informed that PWD has recently floated tender worth Rs 50 lakhs to clear the debris that was piled up after the ceiling collapsed twice last year.
The portion of under renovation Kala Academy had collapsed in July last year. Before that in April a portion of its false ceiling had collapsed due to incessant rains.
The government has already ordered audit of the renovation work while a three-member technical committee is examining the alleged “corruption”, “irregularities” and “illegalities” into the same.
Based on two separate complaints, Anti-Corruption bureau (ACB) as well as Vigilance Department in their inquiry had concluded indicating prima facie scam in the entire work’.
Opposition parties had grilled and cornered government over issuing work orders on nomination basis and termed it as a major scam.
