MARGAO
Swimming as a year-round activity in Fatorda has become a reality once again as the SAG swimming pool has been opened.
The pool was closed for more than three years. Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai along with his band of Margao Municipal Councillors and swimming buffs had been demanding from the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) to get the swimming pool re-opened for public usage at the earliest. The pool was in a state of disrepair due to the apathy of the SAG and as a result, swimmers and residents, including children, who wished to learn swimming were unable to use the pool this summer as it remained non-operational. They also decided to stage a protest if the swimming pool was not made operational.
The authorities concerned had failed to provide any clarity regarding the re-opening of the pool. The public urged the government to intervene and instruct the authorities to address the deplorable state of the pool.
The pool owned by the SAG became operational in 1997. Without much maintenance, the pool was in urgent need of repairs.
The process for enrolment for training at the pool is expected to commence on July 1. The residents can pay a seasonal fee of Rs 7,000 and avail of the membership by paying a fixed fee to the SAG.
