SANGUEM
Three opposition councillors and Goa Forward Party workers staged a sit-in at the Sanguem Municipal Council on Tuesday, alleging that development works in their respective wards had been delayed despite work orders being issued to contractors.
The protest was led by councillors Meshu D’Costa, Rumaldo Fernandes and Fouzia Sheikh, along with Goa Forward Sanguem president Santosh Gaonkar, general secretary Siddhesh Prabhudessai, Dilesh Sambari, Caetan Fernandes and other party workers.
According to the protesters, Rs 25 lakh had been sanctioned for development works in each councillor’s ward in March 2026. They claimed that work orders had been issued and foundation stones laid, but the actual works had not commenced even after nearly three months.
D’Costa alleged that contractors were facing pressure from political persons, which was preventing the works from commencing. The protesters also claimed that the municipal authorities had failed to take timely action.
The councillors had earlier warned in writing that they would stage a sit-in outside the municipal council if the works were not started within eight days. After the deadline passed, they arrived at the municipal office to stage the protest.
Municipal Officer Viraj Malkarnekar intervened and called the protesters for a meeting. Following discussions, he assured them that the contractor would be given a final opportunity and that appropriate action would be taken if the works were not commenced within two days.
On the basis of the assurance, the protesters withdrew the sit-in.
Fouzia Sheikh said they had decided to wait for two days based on the assurance given by the Municipal Officer. The councillors indicated that they would consider further action if the development works were not taken up within the stipulated period.
