Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has had three major meetings to discuss procurement of a grass cutter, hearse van, earth mover machines and various other issues, but has failed to complete their civic obligations of cleanliness and hygiene. Every time MMC is questioned the answer is “The Chief Officer is responsible” and “We are understaffed”.
MMC chairperson Arthur D’Silva said that machinery, like compactor trucks, pickups and others are broken down and need repairs and the absence of the accounts officer in MMC has blocked the money for the repairs of the machines.
On Wednesday and Thursday garbage bins in Housing Board, old fish market behind MMC, near PWD office, Borda and various other places were not cleared for up to eight days. Garbage was also lying in the walkway and roads of the town.
Herald received a call from Deepa Khandolkar from Borda who said, “The garbage bins here in Borda haven’t been picked for eight long days. I have called the helpline almost 8 to 10 times but no one, not even our ward Councillor, has responded.”
The uncollected garbage is gathering flies and mosquitoes from around and this has increased the problem.
MMC councilor Sadanand Naik said, “Labourers who were collecting garbage from the wards have gone as there is no proper payment of money, the reason being non-punctual garbage collection.”
Herald interacted with one of the women who collects garbage. She said, “We are willing to work, but we aren’t paid on time. How do we put 100 percent at work when our families are hungry?”
People from the Housing Board met local MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco complaining of the improper collection of garbage. “Former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had promised to make Goa a garbage free state, now he has to wake up to his promise and fulfill his words. No problem if people are taxed for this but proper collection has to be done.” Lourenco said.
