Villagers discussing the issue of release of sewage water in the drains, during the Merces gram sabha, on Sunday. Captured by : Manuel Vaz
OLD GOA
The Merces panchayat has decided to form a committee to survey rooms given on rent in the village.
The decision was taken at the gram sabha, on Sunday, when the villagers pointed out the need to undertake such a survey so that the panchayat earn one-month’s rent from the same.
The villagers also pointed out that the garbage fee could also be collected from the rented rooms, which will also generate additional income for the panchayat.
Though initially it was decided to form the panel at the gram sabha, it was later decided that all the 11 panchas would nominate one member from their respective wards and submit the names to the panchayat in fifteen days.
“Apart from the persons nominated, all panchas would also form part of the committee,” sarpanch Assis Fernandes said.
Later, the villagers demanded that the committee should also survey the migrants residing in the village without police verification.
Meanwhile, Fernandes also informed the gram sabha that the panchayat has received a proposal from St Cruz MLA Rudolf Fernandes that he has identified a place for setting up of community hall in Merces and that he requires a resolution for the same.
“We will pass the resolution but in that we will also add that the panchayat ghar, health centre and all other facilities for Merces should also be setup,” the sarpanch informed the villagers.
The issue of release of sewage water in the drains was also discussed with the villagers seeking to know why the panchayat cannot act on its own.
“Why couldn’t the panchayat act in such matters and ensure that sewage is not released in the drains?” a villager questioned.
However, sarpanch Fernandes stated that the health authorities have the powers to disconnect water and power supply of the violators and the panchayat has already complained to them.
“We will undertake another inspection with the health authorities, and the villagers can also question them why they are not taking action,” Fernandes stated.
The issue of hiking garbage fees to Rs 900 per annum as per the government directives, approval of budget, extension of compound walls onto the road and other issues were also discussed.
