THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
The regularisation of 540 tenements in the Housing Board Colony at New Vaddem, flyover project in Dabolim and phase two of the Vaddem Lake beautification project were among the issues discussed at the meeting of the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) on Tuesday.
Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho, who was present at the MMC meeting, provided details on ongoing projects to the councillors.
Commenting on the long-pending regularisation of 540 tenements in the Housing Board Colony at New Vaddem, Godinho said the proposal was placed by the Goa Housing Board (GHB) and accepted by MMC. He noted that while some tenants had outstanding rent, the matter has been referred back to the GHB for resolution.
Updating councillors regarding progress on the flyover project in Dabolim, Godinho said the Navy has agreed to move its compound wall back by approximately 15 metres to accommodate the work.
"I spoke with top Naval officials during the visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Goa, and they have agreed to this adjustment pending formal approval from the Ministry of Defence," he added.
During the meeting, MMC granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for phase two of the Vaddem Lake beautification project.
Speaking on the project, Godinho stated, “We had developed the Vaddem Lake, and there was a dispute with the Church Confraria and MMC, which had gone to court. This dispute has now been resolved unanimously.”
MMC meet heats up over GSL occupancy issue
The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) meeting on Tuesday turned heated over the occupancy issue for Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
While the meeting initially proceeded smoothly, tension flared up when the topic of GSL's occupancy was raised.
Several councillors voiced opposition, refusing to support the occupancy due to a lack of benefits for locals. The matter was eventually deferred, with plans for a special meeting to discuss it further with GSL officials.
Later speaking to reporters after the meeting, MMC Chairperson Girish Borker explained the occupancy issue regarding GSL.
“The main concern was about GSL's compound wall, which has been in place for over 40 years. However, the new GSL building did not secure an occupancy certificate due to a lack of setback,” Borker noted.
He said some councillors argued against granting occupancy, claiming it was illegal and that GSL has not provided job opportunities to local residents.
Borker also highlighted the council's request for community support from GSL under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.
“MMC has submitted several proposals to GSL for CSR contributions, such as providing a hearse van, but they have yet to take action,” he said.
Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho, who was present at the meeting, said the compound wall of GSL needs to be moved back, as previously promised, but this had not been done yet.
“We suggested deferring the issue and holding a special meeting, inviting the GSL CMD for further discussions. GSL has potential to contribute significantly under its CSR activities to MMC, but this has not yet materialised,” said Godinho, while adding that they would pursue this issue in an upcoming meeting.
