Points to landlord-tenant disputes as major hurdle to redevelopment
File photo of dilapidated and dangerous building in Margao.
MARGAO
Public Works Department Minister Digambar Kamat on Thursday said he cannot be blamed for the dilapidated buildings in Margao when the structures do not belong to him, his father, or the government.
When a scribe questioned the PWD Minister about the dilapidated buildings dotting the commercial capital, Kamat shot back, “What am I supposed to do? I have no money to buy the buildings and reconstruct them. You cannot blame me. The media is writing about these buildings as if they belong to me, when they belong neither to me nor my father, nor to the government.”
He added: “The main issue affecting these dilapidated buildings is the dispute between landlords and tenants. The tenant may be paying only Rs 100 in rent to the landlord. The landlord, in turn, may be waiting for the building to collapse. These are the practical difficulties involved.”
Responding to a question that the old and dilapidated buildings pose a risk to people visiting the city, Kamat said the South Goa District Collector had recently directed the PWD to demolish dangerous portions of two buildings at Pimpalkatta and near Cine Lata.
“Whatever is possible, the authorities are doing their best to ensure that owners take necessary precautions. Notices have been issued to the owners of old buildings. Till date, around two or three buildings declared unsafe have been razed in the city,” he added.
