the goan I network
MARGAO
The steps leading to the picturesque Monte Hill area via Hospicio hospital “ beautified around half a decade ago “ are crumbling for want of upkeep and maintenance by the authorities.
While TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai does not lose a single opportunity to take pride for ushering in developmental projects in Fatorda, the beautification of the steps executed under the MPLAD scheme of then South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha doesn’t seem to be on the agenda of the Margao Municipal Council ruled by the Goa Forward Party.
That’s not all. Sardesai’s visit to the steps a couple of months ago at the instance of ward councillor Glen Andrade has not changed the ground reality for the better. In fact, post-Sardesai’s visit, the situation has only worsened, with neither the Margao Municipal Council nor the government stepping in to stem the rot and maintain the project “ which was dubbed as another avenue for recreational activities in the commercial capital.
Otherwise, consider this. A wooden log, which has been lying on the steps for a long time now, has not been towed away by the authorities.
The stones of the side wall of the steps have been crumbling and it is feared that the entire decorative side wall may collapse for want of maintenance.
That the authorities have turned a blind eye to the maintenance of the place, despite promises by the powers that be, is evident from the fact that a couple of ornamental lamps were found fallen around the place.
That’s not all. The pleas of the local residents to regulate the timings for visitors at the place and secure the steps with an entrance and exit gate on the lines of the adjoining Ana Fonte garden to keep anti-socials at bay have fallen on deaf ears.
This is evident from the fact that liquor bottles were seen strewn around the sprawling place, indicating that it’s a place for anti-socials, leaving many a citizen to stay away from visiting the area.
The promised entry and exit gate has not seen light of the day for reasons best known to the powers that be. And, questions are being raised in local circles whether the Margao Municipal Council has deputed any security personnel to man the place.
When The Goan called up MMC ward councillor Glen Andrade to shed light on the pathetic state of the beautified steps, now part of the Monte Hill’s heritage area, he said the area needs a clean-up operation to restore it to its original area. “I will take up the matter at the next meeting of the council,” Glen said, while promising to force the civic body to work out a solution to the maintenance issues staring at the project site.
