MARGAO
Margao Municipality’s congested markets “ the iconic New Market and the Gandhi Market “ are all set to get a makeover, thanks to Margao MLA Digambar Kamat.
In order to refurbish the two municipal markets, the Margao MLA has sanctioned Rs 1.40 crore from his MLA fund to take up the development works. That’s not all. In a bid to improve the fire-fighting infrastructure in and around the fire-prone markets, the PWD (Water Supply) has floated a Rs 70 lakh tender to augment water supply and install fire hydrants.
A total of two tenders will be floated to take up the work at the New Market and Gandhi Market. While funds to the tune of Rs 1 crore have been earmarked to refurbish the New Market, work at the Gandhi Market will cost the exchequer Rs 40 lakh.
The works include the replacement of the damaged roof and the replacement of the pavers, besides other minor works.
The Margao MLA on Thursday conducted a review of these projects with officials of the PWD, Water Supply, Margao Municipal Council, and representatives of the New Market traders at the Matanhy Saldanha Administrative Complex. A total of three tenders will be floated.
With the monsoon around the corner, the MLA has directed the PWD officials to take up the work phase-wise. “Repairs to the roof will be taken up on a war footing before the onset of the monsoons to plug water seepage,” he said.
He added: “I had called for the review meeting because of the works lined up at the two markets. The PWD (Water Supply) has already floated the tender to lay a new water line and to install fire hydrants around the two markets. A committee has been set up to coordinate these two works.”
The MLA has issued instructions to Margao Municipal and police officials to crack down on the illegal sale of fish and begging in the two markets.
