the goan I network
VASCO
The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) on Monday decided to take up works in all wards worth Rs 14 crore under the 14th Finance Commission. This was decided by the MMC at a special meeting convened to discuss various issues.
Later speaking to reporters, MMC Chairperson Kritesh Gaonkar said the MMC would take up development works across all wards to the tune of Rs 14 crore under the 14th Finance Commission.
“The 14th Finance Commission had granted us a fund of Rs 1.06 crore in 2016-17, but it was not utilized properly and former MMC chairperson Deepak Naik undertook works worth Rs 60 lakh in his ward alone,” said Gaonkar.
“We also did not realize that the MMC had funds then, because no councillor was informed. Now for 2017-18, we have received a grant of Rs 12 crore for development and we have also received Rs 2 crore for garbage management.”
“Recently, Urban Development Minister Milind Naik sanctioned another grant of Rs 3.79 crore. Today we have got sufficient grants and we will decide to undertake works worth Rs 14 crore in all wards and we have already made estimates.” “I have also informed all councillors to give me a list of works which can be taken up with these grants,” said Gaonkar.
The council also decided to beautify the entire city as a part of the centenary celebration of MMC. “I informed all councillors to provide a list of beautification works before December end, so that all works can be taken up to beautify the entire city with the funds expected from tourism department for the centenary celebrations.”
Gaonkar also said the MMC had proposed to hike garbage collection fees from Rs 40 to Rs 60 per month after reassessment of houses, adding that new charges would be applicable from January 2019.
“Since all houses are not paying house taxes, garbage collection fees could not be included in the house tax. In order to resolve shortage of labourers in the council, the MMC has proposed to outsource labourers for garbage collection. Once we outsource garbage collection, the contractor’s labourers will be utilised. Our own labourers engaged in the service will be withdrawn and they will be deployed to take up works in wards who have complained about labour shortage,” he said.
