the goan I network
MARGAO
The Shadow Council of Margao said it will take up the issue of rampant illegalities outside the Aquem side of the Margao railway station, even as it asserted that the Margao Municipal Council has failed to stop the illegalities despite assurances dished out by Chairperson Babita Prabhudesai 500 days ago.
Addressing the media, SCM convenor Savio Coutinho recalled that the MMC Chairperson had on February 16, 2017 announced she would without any delay, initiate stern action against the illegalities after inspecting the area.
“The Chairperson had even pointed out to the unhygienic conditions in which the food outlets illegally operate, terming it as a serious health hazard. Non-availability of parking space on account of the encroachments was issue the Chairperson had assured action. But this assurance continues to be an empty promise like many others in the past,” he said, while alleging that the illegalities continue to exist with the collection of unofficial monthly protection fees.
Saying that illegal encroachments have become rampant in the city, Coutinho said the SCM will call on the Margao MLA Digambar Kamat with a plea to get the MMC initiate against the illegalities outside the railway station.
SCM member and former councillor Radha Kavlekar criticized the MMC for the non distribution of SSC students awards for the last two years. “We ourselves feel ashamed that we have to remind this council about the awards every time,” Kavlekar lamented.
SCM member Laurel Abranches sought to know from the council the details of the feast fair recently held at the SGPDA ground. “We demand that action should be taken against the contractor for creating the mess on the ground, and all the costs involved to clear it should be recovered from the contractor,” Abranches stated.
Former councillor and SCM member John Gonsalves demanded that the council publish the list of drains desilted by the council through the Rs 25 lakh tenders.
