VASCO
After appealing to the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) for over a week, a ruling BJP-backed councillor had to clear garbage in his ward at his own cost on Saturday by using a private vehicle and labourers.
Though the council was recently formed, sources said the MMC is facing a huge crunch of workforce amidst the pandemic and non-availability of additional workers, who are unwilling to work at the prices offered by MMC.
When contacted, MMC Ruling Councillor Vinod Kinlekar confirmed he was forced to clear the garbage in his Ward 23 at his own cost on account of a shortage of workforce and vehicles.
"I had no other option as there was huge piles of garbage lying unattended in various parts of my ward, which had become an eyesore and also a health hazard.”
“While MMC Chairperson Damodar Kaskar is doing his best, the fact remains that there is only one vehicle moving in rotation across 25 wards, leaving us with the probability that the vehicle can come to our ward only once every 7-15 days.”
“While I can understand the situation, I cannot give this as an excuse to people who have voted for me and expect work from me. I met Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, who supported me to finally clear the garbage by using private vehicle and labourers," said Kinlekar.
Kinlekar informed that the remaining spots in his ward would be cleared soon.
"MMC Chairperson Damodar Kaskar has assured to send council vehicles and staff to my ward and other dark spots will be cleared soon," said Kinlekar.
