VASCO
A portion of the slab at the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) market near the council administrative building came crashing down on Monday afternoon.
Concrete pieces fell on the roof of a shop and as a result, no one was injured in the incident.
This is the second time in less than a year that a portion of the slab has come crashing down at the MMC market, after a similar incident was reported in September 2021.
Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar along with his wife and Councillor Shami Salkar rushed to the site for a site visit and to take stock of the situation.
Speaking to reporters after the site visit, Salkar said he would raise the issue of demolition of unsafe buildings in the assembly and would seek a solution considering the safety of occupants and residents in and around such unsafe buildings in Vasco.
“In the past, the MMC had convened a meeting of all owners and residents of dilapidated buildings, but the owners were not willing to vacate the premises.
"I advise people to immediately vacate these buildings and we can find a solution where in occupants can get a flat or a shop because if the building collapses, it will not only affect the residents but also people moving around these buildings.”
“It's time to take strict action and if the people don't vacate, then authorities must take up the demolition of such structures," said Salkar.
“Since there is no action from the MMC, I will raise the issue of demolition of dilapidated buildings in the upcoming assembly.”
The Vasco MLA admitted the difficulties confronting the owners of buildings.
"There was no parking facility in old buildings and now, if we demolish an old building and take up a new one, we need to provide parking and other facilities. Hence, a person with 100 sq mtrs area could get only 30-50 sq mtrs area and owners are not ready.”
“We have to find a solution and probably increase the FAR of the area or give additional benefits to owners so that this issue is resolved," said Salkar.
Salkar said he has sent a letter to the MMC chief officer on Monday morning itself to take action on dilapidated buildings ahead of the monsoon.
Vasco Councillor Shami Salkar said it was fortunate that the incident on Monday did not cause any injuries to anyone or loss of life and property.
Social activist Kiran Naik said it was time for MMC chief officer to take action as an estate officer and take legal steps to penalise the owners and occupants of unsafe buildings for not having taken steps to ensure public safety in and around the dilapidated unsafe buildings .
