the goan I network
VASCO
While the famous Vasco Saptah may have concluded on August 16, an empty stall continues to occupy a corner of prime land proposed for the Chief Officer’s bungalow at Vasco.
Residents have criticised the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) for its inability to clear the stalls and keep the footpath free from encroachments.
Though the Saptah Fair ended by August 16, two furniture stalls had continued to operate till August 30, prompting citizens to approach the MMC with a request to remove the stalls and clear the road.
Citizens had also complained that a lot of customers visited the stalls especially in the evening and this caused traffic jams as even rickshaws occupied the road hoping to engage a prospective client buying furniture at these stalls.
Some residents had also sought police action and had requested MMC to immediately remove the furniture stalls occupying the space in Vasco.
Fearing backlash, the MMC later later directed the furniture stalls to vacate the premises and though the stalls have been vacated, the structure of one empty stall still remains at the
site.
“It is strange that the furniture was removed but the structure has been left behind, causing parking problems in an already congested city like Vasco. Surprisingly, the stall is clearly visible to everyone but MMC inspectors are yet to see it and remove the structure,” remarked a resident, Laxman Naik.
Another resident, Francisco Pereira, said the empty stall hinders movement of pedestrians along the footpath.
“Children are sometimes forced to walk on the roads because this empty stall occupies the footpath,” said Pereira.
When contacted, MMC chairperson Nandadeep Raut said he had already directed inspectors to remove the stalls and clear the
area.
“I will again direct the inspector to immediately visit the place and also enquire as to why the structure has not yet been cleared. We will take strict action and the structure will be removed immediately,” assured Raut.
