after KICK OFF, football ground at assagao remains grounded

ANIL SHANKWALKER 

 ASSAGAO

When former sports minister Manohar Azgaonkar laid the foundation stone for the proposed football ground at Assagao in 2008, the residents would never have imagined that the football ground would still remain incomplete six years down the line.

The work of the ground was to be completed by Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) in two phases. The project included development of the ground and construction of a retaining wall/fence. A fund of Rs 1.05 crore was sanctioned for the first phase. Work on the first phase has been completed, but work of the second phase is yet to be started.

“The foundation stone for the football ground at Munangwaddo-Assagao was laid in 2008 when I was the sarpanch. The land was acquired and levelled, but thereafter, the work went on at snail’s pace. After a long delay, a retaining wall, stands and netting were provided,” former Assagao sarpanch Pradip Naik told Herald.

“At present, there is only a retaining wall, some stands and netting which have been put in place. It is now six years and the ground is still incomplete. The ground is being built by the SAG,” he said.

Assagao Deputy Sarpanch Hanumant Naik stated that the issue of the Assagao ground had cropped up during various Assagao Gram Sabha meetings and villagers have been insisting that the remaining portion of the ground be handed over to GSIDC, if SAG was unable to complete the work.

“The panchayat has decided to pass one more resolution and send it to the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs for speedy completion of the ground,” said Assagao Sarpanch Naik.

Speaking to Herald, Director of Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs Y B Tavde stated that the first phase of the construction, sanctioned at a cost of Rs 1.05 crore, was completed a couple of years ago.

“Subsequently, the estimates for the second phase of construction were prepared and were sent to government for administrative approval. They have now received the administrative approval. The total cost of the second phase has been estimated to be Rs 4,03,91,453, which includes a pavilion on the west side, a changing room, an office and VIP dais, top layer of good soil with sand and on the North- East where steps have been cut on the hill side, seating arrangements with good soil and grass will be laid and also the necessary development works,” said Tavde.

“Now, we will submit the project to the finance department for approval. Once the approval is received from the finance department, the work order will be issued by SAG,” added Tavde.