MARGAO: The board meeting of the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) addressed several key matters. One of the prominent decisions was related to resolving the non-functioning elevator issue in the Osia Complex building, which houses various government offices and commercial establishments.
The elevator has not been operational for a long time, and a recent decision was made to temporarily close it due to concerns about voltage fluctuations. SGPDA Chairman Krishna Salkar clarified that the elevator does not belong to SGPDA, but in the interest of the public, a meeting is being arranged through the General Administration Department (GAD), to involve the heads of the six government departments located in the building to determine whether to repair the current elevator or acquire a new one. Contributions from these departments will be sought, and discussions will extend to commercial offices in the building as well. The goal is to establish an annual maintenance contract for the elevator.
Salkar addressed additional issues during the media interaction after the board meeting. He emphasised that any garbage concerns outside SGPDA property fall under the jurisdiction of the municipalities. SGPDA has undertaken extensive cleanliness initiatives in the markets. An agreement has been reached with fish cutters and cleaners in both markets to slightly increase their daily rental fees, to support the costs associated with maintaining cleanliness and infrastructure repairs.
For the wholesale fish market, vendors have proposed strategies to optimise parking space upon completion of the under-construction new market.
Salkar also mentioned that the bidding process for wholesale market sopo collection will occur within ten days.
Regarding a separate issue, Salkar stated that discussions with the District Collector are scheduled to address technical challenges related to SGPDA land designated for pay-parking.
Lastly, the board’s decision entails an increment in fees for exhibitions held on SGPDA land, to cover garbage management costs.