VASCO
With election code of conduct for the assembly and panchayat elections being enforced in the State in quick succession, the repair and renovation of the heritage Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) building has been delayed for several months.
According to the MMC, repair and renovation work has been stuck as approvals have to be sought from different authorities and the present election code of conduct for the panchayat elections would prevent or delay decisions by the authorities.
In September 2016, Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida and MMC Chairperson Deepak Naik had announced the repair and renovation of the MMC building through the Goa State Urban Development Authority (GSUDA) and the work was to start before the assembly election. However, the project could not be taken up due to the assembly election code of conduct and also due to delay in completing the formalities.
When contacted, Deepak Naik said the project was tendered under GSUDA and the council was hopeful of repairing and renovating the building before the monsoon so that the academic year of the Municipal School students is not hampered.
“We moved the files, but they got delayed in the process of completing the formalities and later we were affected by the assembly election code of conduct. Soon after assembly polls, we took up the issue but now, the project is not with the GSUDA anymore, but with the newly-formed Works Man Advisory Committee (WMAC), as the amount has escalated and the approval has to be now taken from this committee.”
“Recently during a meeting with Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and DMA, the issues of chief officer’s bungalow and the MMC building were taken up and Parrikar assured to clear the project at the earliest,” added Naik.
Asked how the MMC would prevent rainwater leakage during the monsoon, Naik replied, “As a temporary measure, the council will cover the roof with tarpaulin not to hamper the work of the administrative section and the functioning of the school.”
Naik said the WMAC convenes monthly meetings and the file was supposed to be placed before the committee in May. “I am skeptical about the meeting taking place as the panchayat election code of conduct is now in force,” he said.
