VASCO
The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) held a special meeting on Tuesday to discuss various issues, focusing on plans to build a new market pavilion at the site of the old vegetable market.
MMC Chairperson Girish Borker said the current Pavilion 1 and 2 structures had become unsafe and needed to be demolished. Vendors had been given notices to vacate, but many requested alternative spaces, which the council could not provide due to lack of space. Borker added that vendors also owed a large amount in dues and occupied the market under the daily Sopo system, which does not give them permanent rights.
Borker said the council plans to complete the new building within six months and could have it ready by December if vendors vacate soon. The council will also meet vendors on Thursday to discuss the Rs 70 lakh in pending dues before handing over the new building to them.
MMC Councillor Deepak Naik clarified that although many vendors had been in the market for years, the Sopo system does not guarantee them shops in the new building. However, the council is looking for ways to support the vendors in the new project.
The meeting also discussed the possible relocation of government offices back to the MMC building but decided to defer the decision. Borker explained that the council needs to check space availability and clear pending payments from government offices before taking a decision.
Naik added that many spaces once occupied by government offices are now being used by MMC departments, including the Women and Child Welfare Department, which recently opened an Urban Livelihood Centre in the building.
Civic body gears up for Saptah with more toilets and vendor plans
VASCO: The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) held meetings with Pavilion Market vendors and reviewed Vasco Saptah preparations on Thursday. MMC Chairperson Girish Borker said the market will be demolished to build a modern complex, with vendors asked to vacate immediately to complete construction within six months using Rs 1.8 crore in funds received.
On Saptah, Borker said the festival attracts large crowds and many temporary stalls, requiring mobile toilets. Though 20 units were planned, MLA Krishna Salkar suggested at least 50. MMC has approached Goa Shipyard Ltd, JSW, and local builders to provide additional toilets and support to ensure smooth Saptah celebrations this year.
