CANACONA
Controversy has intensified over the inauguration of the much-awaited toilet block at Palolem beach, with Dy Speaker and Canacona MLA Isidore Fernandes insisting that the inauguration would go ahead on Friday.
“The omission of the CMC chairperson’s name was an error by tourism authorities. However, the tourism department and GTDC in a public Invitation have included the CMC chairperson’s name and photo, along with the Dy CM and Tourism Minister Manohar (Babu) Azgaonkar and GTDC Chairman Dayanand Sopte.”
“Besides, the names of the CMC chairperson and all councillors are mentioned on the inaugural plaque to be unveiled on Friday,” clarified Fernandes at a news conference in Canacona.
“The council claims some procedures are pending, but they can always be resolved and I fail to understand why the council is bent on denying the benefits of public amenities essential to tourists.”
Fernandes also questioned the CMC’s ruling group for its relationship with the BJP.
“On the one hand, the chairperson and these councillors claim they are a BJP panel. Why don't they approach the government instead of accusing me of not helping to run the council?”
“They should remember that I had facilitated the sanction of funds for projects in Canacona. I have worked and am ready to work with anyone and everyone if the prime intention is to help people.”
Fernandes said Dy Chief Minister Manohar (Babu) Azgaonkar’s presence at the event is not confirmed due to a prior engagement, but confirmed that the inauguration of Toilet Block consisting of Changing Rooms, built under Swadesh Darshan Coastal Circuit-II of Central Tourism Ministry will be inaugurated on Friday morning in the presence of GTDC Chairman Dayanand Sopte.
