Porvorim: The State government on Thursday informed the house that it has spent Rs 12, 82,413 for repairs and renovations of the Dona-Paula Jetty in the last seven years.
Tourism Minister Manohar ‘Babu’ Azgoankar was replying to the question tabled by Congress MLA Aleixo R. Lourenco.
“During the last 7 years, it’s been three times that minor repair work of hand rails of the Dona Paula Jetty has been carried out by Goa Tourism Corporation Limited (SPV). The total expenditure for the same is Rs 12, 82,413.” said Azgoankar
He further informed that the contractors that were allotted contracts to undertake repair works in the last seven years are Deepak Engineers who was allotted work in May 2016 and the expenditure for the same was Rs 4, 90, 206. Similarly in March 2017 the repair works were allotted to Mabub Mulla and Allahbaksh Mulla for Rs 4,25, 033 and Rs 3,67,174 respectively.
The Dona Paula jetty, also known as ‘Lover’s Paradise’ today stands neglected and the State government is considering closing down the jetty as it is in deep distress. The railings have corroded and are broken in many places; also the reinforcing steel bars in the structure stand exposed and are corroding posing a threat to hundreds of locals as well as tourists who visit the magnificent spot. The electrical lamps, too, have stopped functioning.
