"We have expended a lot in building this (Lusofonia) infrastructure, and I see no harm if the same is let out to non-sports events, when no sports events are due. This way we can also earn some revenue. But at no stage, I will allow the sports infrastructure to be let out to non-sports activities, by denying it to sports events. If we keep the infrastructure in use, it will also help in its proper maintenance and also earn some revenue to the treasury in some cases,"
Ramesh Tawadkar
Sports Minister
KATHY FERNANDES
CANACONA
Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar has said that the stadia created for the Lusofonia Games will be utilised for only sports events but the government will also use the infrastructure to generate revenue by letting out the facilities to non-sports events when there are no sports events scheduled.
Speaking exclusively to The Goan, Tawadkar sought to play down fears that the facilities are not being used to conduct sports events but have become hubs of cultural activities. Tawadkar assured that sports will be a priority but the stadia and infrastructure raised during Lusofonia Games, which were held in 2014, could be utilised for other (non-sports) activities simultaneously, so that the government earns some revenue to the treasury.
Reacting to allegations that the Lusofonia infrastructure is given out more to non-sports activities events than to sports events, Tawadkar questioned, "Do you have any incident where stadiums or other sports infrastructure is first denied to sports event and given to a non-sports event?’
Reiterating further, Tawadkar said, "After all, we have expended a lot in building this infrastructure, and I see no harm if the same is let out to non-sports events, when no sports events are due. This way we can also earn some revenue. But at no stage, I will allow the sports infrastructure to be let out to non-sports activities, by denying it to sports events. If we keep the infrastructure in use, it will also help in its proper maintenance and also earn some revenue to the treasury in some cases."
Tawadkar also informed that out of the whopping 290 crores spent on developing the Lusofonia Games infrastructure, an amount of Rs 38 crores is left to be paid to contractors.
"Some of the works were carried out in a haste to beat the deadlines before the commencement of the Lusofonia Games. So certain works remained unfinished and not completed in tune with the conditions laid out in the tenders. The payments are due to the contractors of these works. Their dues will be paid once the government gets a clear indication that all the tendered works have been completed as per specification and all the guidelines have been followed," Tawadkar said.
Answering to a pertinent question, Tawadkar stated: "The closing ceremony is not the end but the beginning for putting all the infrastructure built for Lusofonia Games to positive usage. We have National Games coming up, the FIFA under-17 World Cup is due, while we will also host Durand Cup matches, I-League and ISL matches. Sports will continue to be a priority at these stadia," Tawadkar asserted.
