MARGAO
With the mercury levels starting to rise with each passing day in the state, it is a reason enough to take a dip in the pool. But the Panaji residents are left disappointed as the swimming pool at SAG sports complex, Campal has not been operational for the last three years.
When contacted, Monica Lobo, Assistant Director (Complex), revealed that the works at the swimming pool are not completed and they have given instructions to the contractor to complete the work at the earliest. Meanwhile, Sanjay Walvekar, SAG chief engineer said, “I have joined recently, and saw that the works at swimming pool are going on at slow pace. But I am quite hopeful that the work will get momentum and the pool will be functional shortly."
Walvekar said that new Sports Minister Govind Gaude had a meeting with the SAG officials to take stock of the situation in Campal and assured his help to complete the works. The Sports Minister will inspect the campal swimming pool on Monday, he said. "We did face difficulties due to the model code of conduct implemented during the State Assembly polls," the engineer said.Meanwhile, Sandeep Heble, the secretary of Goa Badminton Association (GBA), was critical of the State machinery for dragging the project for so long.
"In China, there is an incredible 57-storey skyscraper that has been built in flat 19 days. The Mini Sky City has 19 atriums, 800 apartments and office space for 4,000 people, besides being built to withstand earthquakes," Heble said.
"But in our capital city Panaji, on the other hand, we are struggling to refurbish a simple swimming pool complex, where works have been dragging since last three years. And all that they are constructing are some changing rooms and some additional spaces," the GBA official said.
"Swimmers and the members have been left in the lurch and just about anything and everything has been botched up here," Heble said as he sought an intervention from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Sports Minister Gaude in the matter.
