MARGAO: The slugfest between the Fatorda MLA and Goa Forward Party Chief (GFP) Vijai Sardesai and Waste Management Minister Michael Lobo is gaining momentum as the two political heavyweights making Sonsoddo the bone of contention. 

It may be recalled that the Margao Municipal Council’s (MMC) Chairperson Babita Angle, had rebuked the recent statements made by the Lobo, where he had criticised the situation at the Sonsoddo garbage treatment site and expressed his fear that there could be an epidemic if the garbage is not treated. Angle, a GFP member, had in turn, criticised the constituency of the Calangute MLA for ruining the reputation of Goa. 

On Wednesday, Vijai visited Sonsoddo in view of an upcoming inspection that has been scheduled by the Minister.

Addressing mediapersons, Vijai questioned the reason behind Lobo’s visit and referred to the recent tweets made by the Minister. 

"He has created grounds for this inspection in his tweets. MMC has sent two letters on August 20 and September 13, asking that the High Powered Coordination Committee (HPCC) for Sonsoddo be convened but they have not received any replies,” said Vijai. 

Continuing his tirade against his friend-turned-foe, Vijai added, “Is he coming here only to show off? He has condemned the MMC for inaction and later comes to Margao for inspection at Sonsoddo when he doesn't know whether it is in hands or not. Is he coming here to evict Fomento, when the matter is with the courts now? Or is he coming to evict MMC from Sonsoddo?”

Claiming that the inspection is an attempt by Lobo to earn political brownie points, Sardesai reiterated MMC’s demand that the Chief Minister convenes an urgent HPCC meeting to transparently decide the future course of action, instead of the minister’s visit, which he felt will achieve nothing due to the court’s directions not to dispossess  Fomento. He added that he will attend the inspection and called on all concerned to do so. 

He also asked Lobo to first get on the HPCC board and then convene a meeting to try and end the impasse, which should be the priority of the HPCC, otherwise the inspection is only going to be a ‘photo op’.

 "The impasse has left very little room for MMC to move but the government has a lot of room to move especially when the government has backchannel talks with Fomento, which the minister is on record with his tweets," said Vijai. 

Further pointing out that arbitration usually takes time, he stressed that the HPCC should meet the Advocate General for further recourse.