MARGAO
The Shadow Council for Margao has once again on Saturday questioned the seriousness of the Margao Municipal Council and the Disaster Management Cell over the tackling of the dilapidated structures in the city.
Charging the Council, concerned authorities and some elected representatives, SCM Convener Savio Coutinho stated that when eviction notices are issued to occupants of notified dilapidated structures, selective occupants are allowed to renovate their premises, as the Council chooses to look the other way, and feign ignorance about any such activities in the dilapidated structures.
He stated that they have received information about 2 notified buildings, occupants of which had been issued notices under section 190, directing them to vacate their respective premises.
“However, inspite of the notice under section 190 still in force, certain premises within these two buildings are being refurbished and getting set to be occupied”, he said.
He added: “In one case, the occupants of the building along the Isidore Baptista road were issued notices for eviction of their premises on April 6, 2018. Accordingly the occupants vacated the premises and also intimated the Council about the same. The condition of this building would surely suggest that the eviction of occupants was a must. However, as one can see the upper floor standing in very precarious condition, the ground floor is being refurbished and getting set for occupation”,
Coutinho said the manner in which the work is going on with no action forthcoming from the Council clearly suggests that it has the blessings of local elected representatives.
SCM member Matin Carol stated that all the authorities and the elected representatives are hardly concerned about public safety. All that they can do is go to the site when structures collapse, and shed fake tears of concern, he said further.
“A strict law is needed to make the Council officials responsible in the event of any eventuality that causes harm to public life and property, Dr Roslyn Pereira said. The only problem is that the officials who permit such wrong things don't be there when the damage occurs, " she said.
SCM demanded the immediate attention of the Chief Officer into these matters, and called for appropriate action against the defaulters.
