PORVORIM
The new market complex near Hanuman temple at Porvorim was inaugurated over a month ago but still awaits an occupancy certificate from the local panchayat and an allotment policy from the Goa Housing Board (GHB) for shops and offices.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had inaugurated the new market complex amid much fanfare on August 16 in the presence of Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho, GHB Chairman Subhash Shirodkar and Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte.
During the inaugural function, Shirodkar had stated that the process to auction shops and offices in the new market complex would begin from September 15 and would be completed by September 30.
But when shopkeepers in the old GHB market met Shirodkar, they were disappointed to learn that the GHB had not yet finalised the allotment policy for their shops.
Speaking to The Goan, some shopkeepers in the old GHB market said they had gone to meet Shirodkar hoping to shift to the new market complex soon.
“He informed us that some work in the new market complex is still pending. Lifts have not been installed in the market complex, the occupancy certificate has not been issued by the panchayat and shop allotment policy has not been finalised. All this will take some more time,” lamented a shopkeeper.
“What is the use of inaugurating the new market complex if the work is still not complete Moreover, the GHB did not even have the courtesy to invite us at the inaugural function.”
“For over seven years, we have been awaiting the completion of the new market complex and allotment of shops. It now appears that we may be allotted the shops only next year,” the shopkeeper added.
When contacted, Penha de Franca Sarpanch Swapnil Chodankar confirmed that the occupancy certificate was yet to be issued to the new market complex.
“The GHB is yet to apply for the occupancy certificate and so, the question of issuing the occupancy certificate does not arise. Without an occupancy certificate, they cannot legally obtain water and electricity connections,” said Chodankar.
