Resolution adopted to repair the 65-year-old Tar Bridge as short-term measure
the goan I network
MAPUSA
The council unanimously resolved to construct a parallel bridge and to repair the Tar Bridge after PWD moved a note to the civic body calling for repair of the pre-Liberation-era bridge and the need to construct a parallel bridge for smooth two-way movement of vehicular traffic.
Making a case for repair of the Tar Bridge, former chairperson and councilor, Sandip Falari, said the bridge was the main link for people of Aldona and other villages to enter into the Mapusa town.
Besides heavy traffic plying on the bridge, Falari said during Ganesh immersion ceremony, a lot of people stand on the bridge to view the event which adds to the load it.
“First ask the PWD to carry out the mandatory tests to check the structural stability of the bridge to see whether it can be repaired and widened,” Falari said. “As a long-term measure, a parallel bridge is also needed,” he added. Former chairperson and councilor, Sudhir Kandolkar, was of the opinion that parallel bridge was the need of the hour which could then be linked to a by-pass road connecting to Mapusa city.
Councilor Ryan Braganza opined that the issue should be tackled with an open mind and different options could be considered to gain a new access to the city.
“A parallel bridge next to the current one is an option. But we can also explore an access from another direction and diverting the traffic through a by-pass road behind the old Asilo hospital,” Braganza said.
While deciding to constitute the Town Vending Committee, the council recommended the names of Sandip Falari, Sudhir Kandolkar and Rajsingh Rane as council members on the committee.
After a brief discussion on the issue of renewing the lease agreement and fixation of rent to a petrol pump belonging to Hindustan Petroleum near
the taxi-stand, the council decided to defer the decision to next council meeting.
The council couldn’t arrive at an agreement on the issue of recovering outstanding amount that the company owed to the council. As per the audit report, Bharat Petroleum owes Rs 35 lakh, while Hindustan Petroleum has to pay Rs 4 lakh to the council.
On Thursday, The Goan had highlighted the issue of the Tar Bridge and the demand for a parallel bridge.
MMC says ‘no’ to transfer of shops
MAPUSA: The Mapusa Municipal Council has temporarily set aside the decision of transferring around 14 shops/stalls to blood relations in Mapusa market after some councilors smelt a rat over the transfer requests.
First to raise objection was councilor Tushar Tople who requested the council to first carry out an inspection to find if the shops were really in possession of the original lessees.
“Don’t transfer the shops unless an inspection is done to find out if the shops are still with original owners. I know a lot of shops have been sold to third party by the original lessees…” Tople said.
Former chairperson Sandip Falari seconded Tople’s demand and concurred with his junior colleague wherein original lessees have sold their shops to third parties.
“The council should check which among the 14 shops are really in possession
of the original owners,” Falari said.
