MAPUSA
A section of locals from Karaswaddo-Mapusa are up in arms against the alleged construction of a shed around a Holy Cross, which threatens to block their public access.
The residents said they have no objection to repair the Holy Cross, but said the construction of shed would further narrow the road access in the area.
However, local councillor Martin Carrasco said the plan was to construct a sit out to conduct prayers and the issue was blown out of proportion to gain political mileage.
Some 30-odd residents on Thursday morning met Mapusa Municipal Council Chairperson Rohan Kavlekar and appealed to him to stop the construction.
“The said cross is on the middle of the road and we have no objection for repairing the cross at the same place. But we have strong objection for construction of the shed which will obstruct smooth movement of vehicles,” the residents said in a petition to the MMC chief officer.
They alleged that a local resident, Fedelis Carrasco, brother of local councilor, Martin Carrasco, was actively involved in constructing the shed on the Cross.
The residents have requested the chairperson to dissuade Carrasco from going ahead with the plan, which would cause great harm to people of Ward 3.
MMC Chairperson Rohan Kavlekar told the residents that he would discuss the matter with the chief officer and the municipal engineer.
Councilor Martin Carrasco said there was no plan to build a shed on the Cross and that, his opponents were trying to draw political mileage by raking up the issue.
“Contrary to the allegations, we have shifted the cross around two metres away from the road. We are not building a shed but only a small sit up so that the faithful can conduct prayers. It will not disturb any traffic movement in the area,” Carrasco told The Goan.
“My political opponents are trying to make an issue out of non-issue just to draw political mileage,” he added.
