Team Herald
MARGAO: The Shadow Council for Margao (SCM) on Monday called upon the Margao Municipal Corporation to ensure proper supervision of the painting work of its premises which has being undertaken after a decade-long gap.
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Citizens in Margao have raised concerns about the poor maintenance work being carried out on the MMC building at a cost of Rs 13 lakhs. While acknowledging that the painting initiative is appreciated given the long delay, SCM Convener Savio Coutinho has highlighted several issues with the execution. “Now since this work is undertaken after such a long period, due to lots of criticism from all quarters, we expect the Council to ensure that quality work is executed,” he stated.
According to Coutinho, the contractor has failed to follow the proper work schedule, specifically by not scraping off the old paint before applying the primer coat on the building’s exterior surfaces. “We feel sad to notice that the very first item of the work schedule is compromised. As per the schedule, the contractor needs to scrape off the old paint using sand paper or other suitable means. Without scraping the old paint, the primer coat has already been applied on part of the exterior surfaces of the building,” Coutinho pointed out.
SCM noted that the contractor merely cleaned the surface with pressurized water, leaving old paint flakes visible beneath the newly applied primer. Coutinho warned that this oversight could lead to the new paint peeling off in flakes shortly after completion, stating, “In the event, the old paint is not cleared off from the walls, and fresh paint is applied, very soon after completion of the painting work, we will find the paint peeling off in flakes.”
Additionally, SCM has identified problems with the cement plastering work being done in areas where old plaster has deteriorated. “However, the plaster so provided is not being cured with water, thereby casting serious doubt over its strength and life,” Coutinho stated.
Given these issues and the significant investment involved, Coutinho made a fervent appeal to both the elected body and engineers to consider the Municipal building and ensure quality work is executed. SCM emphasized upon the importance of proper supervision and adherence to construction standards for this public infrastructure project.
