PANAJI
The Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) has floated a tender inviting bids for the renovation and restoration of the old municipal council building at Mapusa for around Rs 2.5 crore.
However, restoration work is expected to begin only after 3-4 months as the process to select the agency, finalising the terms and condition with the agency and releasing the work order will take time.
This Portuguese-era building is over 100 years old and is considered a heritage structure. The restored building is to be used as a library.
Around seven months back, the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) had passed a resolution to renovate an old municipal building through the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA).
However, the process got stuck for a few months due to the election code of conduct and the GSUDA has tendered the work only recently.
According to MMC Municipal Engineer Hussain Shah Muzawar, the ground floor and first floor of the building will be used as a library.
The GSUDA had appointed a consultant to plan the renovation and restoration of the old municipal building before the assembly elections.
Due to its dilapidated condition, the building and with it the century-old Athaide Municipal Library was closed for the public in September 2019.
