MARGAO
Multi-level parking facility will soon become a reality on the Margao Municipal Council acquired land along the Old Market-KTC bus stand stretch as the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) has given its technical nod for GSUDA’s proposal.
The TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai disclosed further that plans to set up the proposed Fatorda Municipal Council building on the land acquired for the non-convention energy park, which he has said stands scrapped and the funds received from the centre for the project is returned back with interest.
At the Sunday Dialogue held at the Old Market on Sunday morning, Sardesai said that work on the multi-level parking project will soon get underway, adding that the project should be in place within two years time.
He also said that the parking project will be built before the construction of the KTC bus port at the existing bus stand. “We have decided to leave a portion of the acquired land for the Holy Spirit Church to set up the konsanchem kondi. The balance land will be utilized for the multi-level parking,” he said, adding that the parking project will be kept on display for public suggestions.
Sardesai, however, cleared that the parking land opposite the KTC bus stand, which is currently being used for two-wheeler parking, will not form part of the multi-level parking facility.
Taking strong cognizance of complaints lodged by residents that fast food business activities still persist on the passage of the Old Market tinto, the TCP Minster not only directed the MMC to crack a whip against the activity, but to come out with a policy of signages in the city to ensure that advertising boards do not become an eyesore. “We have observed that huge Portuguese passport boards have been displayed on several buildings in the city, creating an eyesore. The municipality should come out with a signage policy so that the rest of Goa follows it,” he said.
On the land acquired for the non-conventional energy park, which is presently lying vacant, Sardesai said the government is toying with the idea of utilizing the land to build the Fatorda Municipal Council building with a facility for a town hall, which can be used even for wedding receptions. “The multi-level parking facility will come in handy for the entire Old Market Ravindra Bhavan area for parking. The municipality can charge nominal parking charges,” he said.
When a resident pointed out that the dilapidated condition of the government quarters at Pajifond and Borda, the TCP Minister said that since the PWD has failed to ensure the upkeep and maintenance of the residential quarters, the GSIDC will be roped in to take care of these buildigns.
He also said that the sewerage problem facing the Old Market area of Fatorda will be taken care once work on the replacement of the North main line is completed at a cost of Rs 93 crore.
A group of citizens led by activist Felix Dias raised the issue of construction of a structure on the land belonging to farmers near the Presentation Convent. Sardesai, however, said the land in question is already acquired by the government and that the parties have no right over it.
