ANIL SHANKHWALKAR
PORVORIM
The Mapusa Police Station is one of the most important police stations in North Goa, but it is not likely to get its new premises anytime soon.
The story is no different from another ongoing project – the new Mapusa Municipal Council building – in Mapusa, which has also missed its construction deadline.
This time though, work on the new Mapusa Police Station building has virtually come to grinding halt mainly due to one reason. The pending bills of the contractor, estimated at a staggering Rs 3 crore, are yet to be cleared and the contractor has now suspended all work at the site.
Vast Jurisdiction
The Mapusa Police Station is one of the most important police stations of North Goa and has to cater to law and order in a vast jurisdiction spread across Bardez taluka.
Besides Mapusa town, the Mapusa Police Station has to monitor law and order in the 19 panchayats, including Aldona, Moira, Bastora, Ucassaim, Nachinola, Assagao (part), Pirna, Parra, Verla-Canca, Guirim, Cunchelim, Tivim, Sirsaim, Assonora, Revora, Colvale, Nadora and Siolim.
A sharp demographic growth in these areas during the last 10 years has also led to a rise in crimes and offences, adding to the workload of the Mapusa police.
Besides, an increase in traffic and the high number of mishaps and offences have also exerted added pressure on the Mapusa police. Mapusa police are also expected to provide security cover to VIPs, attend to court cases and perform other duties.
Earlier/existing PS
The earlier building which housed the Mapusa police was built during the Portuguese colonial rule. Poor maintenance led to the gradual decline of the building, making the structure unsafe for occupation.
The structure was also found to be inadequate to house the various sections of the police force, which included the Mapusa Police station, Sub-Divisional Police Office, Traffic Cell and CID branch office.
Taking these factors into consideration, the government decided to construct a new police station building. Following the demolition of the old building, all offices were shifted to the fire station building.
But the temporary premises has been insufficient to handle all offices of the Mapusa Police Station, Sub-Divisional Police Office, Traffic Cell and CID branch office. At times, the police station becomes so congested that people are forced to wait outside the building.
“We are eagerly awaiting the completion of new building, as it becomes inconvenient for us to work in this congested place,” remarked a policeman, on condition of anonymity.
New police station
building
The foundation stone for new Mapusa Police station building, estimated at Rs 6.55 crore, was laid by former chief minister Manohar Parrikar on December 3, 2013. The project was to be completed this month.
During the function to lay the foundation stone, Parrikar had assured that required funds had been allotted to ensure to completion of the project within its deadline.
Deputy Chief Minister and Mapusa MLA Francis D’Souza was even interested completing the project ahead of its deadline and had been keen to inaugurate the building on January 26.
Pending bills stall project
When contacted, the contractor confirmed to Herald that work on the project had come to a virtual halt.
“Since the last four months, I have been forced to suspend work on the building due to pending payments from the government. So far, I have received only one payment from the government,” said the contractor.
“Nearly 85% of the work has been completed and I have invested my own money in this project. Bills worth more than Rs 3 crore are pending and I am now awaiting the settlement of my bills.”
“I was supposed to complete work and hand over possession of the building by this month. However, due to non-payment of bills, I unable to meet the deadline,” admitted the contractor.
Deputy Chief Minister
intervenes
Deputy Chief Minister and Mapusa MLA Francis D’Souza stated he was aware that pending bills of the contractor were yet to be settled.
“I am seized of the matter and I have already spoken to the Finance Department. I have requested them to release the payment at the earliest,” said D’Souza.
“I am also aware of problems being faced by the police department in carrying out their day-to-day operations in the inadequate space at the fire station building. I am, however, confident the new police building will be completed by April end,” he added.
