VASCO
In a significant development, the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) approved the construction of a 20-bedded hospital in Sada during a special council meeting at Ravindra Bhavan Baina on Monday morning. The meeting, chaired by MMC Chairperson Girish Borker and attended by Vice Chairperson Ramchandra Kamat and Chief Officer Jayant Tari, addressed various issues, including the provision of labor to councillors and revenue losses.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Chairperson Girish Borker conveyed that the proposal for the hospital, put forth by Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar, received council clearance. Borker also disclosed plans to utilize a portion of the same government land for a municipal petrol pump, emphasizing the dual benefits of both projects.
“We urge MLA Sankalp Amonkar to accept our proposal. While a hospital is being constructed, we can allocate a small area for a municipal petrol pump. Both projects will be beneficial for the people, and we will also generate revenue,” stated Borker.
Among the topics discussed during the meeting was the leasing of MMC properties. Borker highlighted a desire to adopt a system similar to the Mapusa Mormugao council, transferring shops from the original lessee to the present occupant and adjusting charges accordingly to boost MMC revenue.
Acknowledging financial struggles, Borker emphasized the council’s inability to hire additional staff due to budget constraints. He expressed concerns about delayed payments to existing staff and the need for new revenue sources. The MMC Chairperson appealed for assistance from Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and ministers to resolve legal issues surrounding commercial buildings stuck in court, hindering the council’s income.
