the goan I network
MAPUSA
“There are very few open spaces available in Goa. We need to protect any open space, big or small, for the future generation. Our children need space to play and to sweat it out,” D’Souza said.
D’Souza was speaking after inaugurating a football ground at Ganeshpuri-Mapusa on Thursday evening.
The football ground project was developed by Goa State Urban Development Agency under the FRANCIS Urban Connect scheme at an estimated cost of Rs 2.90 crore.
Speaking further, he said the government was ready to develop open spaces wherever space was available by constructing and developing football grounds and gardens for public use.
He said like Ganeshpuri, two other football grounds at DMC College and Cunchelim will also be developed by GSUDA.
“The Ganeshpuri football ground is not as per international specification in terms of its length and breadth. The basic aim to develop the ground is for our children to come and use the play space,” the minister said.
The ground has been developed with a natural turf and proper irrigation network with water sprinklers all around.
Besides a walking track and a parking lot facility, the ground has a structure that houses changing rooms with bathroom and toilet facilities for boys and girls. There is also a meeting room and a gymnasium in the structure.
The ground has also been illuminated adequately.
GSUDA, Chief Project Officer, Jagdish Hosmani, Mapusa Municipal Council, chairperson, Sandip Falari and GSUDA vice-chairman Sudhir Kandolkar also spoke.
Deputy Collector, Chandrakant Shetkar, MMC Chief Officer, Clen Madeira, local councilor, Sanjay Mishal and others were also present.
