NAVIN JHA
VASCO: The lone Children’s Park at Vasco, owned and maintained by the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC), that was left in shambles over the last couple of years will soon be ready for children, but the use of this park at night to carry out anti-social activities is yet to be resolved.
The Children’s Park was left in a dilapidated state with most of the playing equipment in the park either damaged or missing for the last few years.
Although the Municipal records show that MMC did spend money on its maintenance by engaging municipal labourers, the park remained in a dilapidated state and its condition deteriorated quickly.
The other issue that keeps citizens away from the park is the presence of anti-social elements who used to occupy the park soon after sunset to carry out anti-social activities with the police turning a blind eye on the activities.
“Simply renovating the park will not solve the purpose as the Municipality should ensure the presence of security guard round the clock otherwise nefarious activities at the park will recommence and the situation will return to that of the past,” said John D’Silva, a resident of Sasmollem Baina.
The renovation of the park has been sponsored by Zuari Industries Limited (ZIL) as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
“This is the only recreational facility available for the children and most of the playing equipment in the park was either damaged or missing and therefore the initiative taken up by the ZIL is commendable,” said Vasco councillor Krishna allias Daji Salkar.
He also promised that after renovation he will ensure the presence of security personnel round the clock to keep the anti-socials out of the park.
After completion of the renovation, children will get to play on seesaws, merry-go-rounds, swings, slide, jungle gym, chin-up bars, sandbox, spring rider, monkey bars, overhead ladder, trapeze rings, playhouses, and mazes, which will help children develop physical coordination, strength, and flexibility, as well as providing recreation and enjoyment.
