QUEPEM: The work on the Ambaulim football ground commenced five years ago, but the contractor responsible for the project has been consistently evading progress. In response to this delay, agitated Ambaulim locals congregated near the incomplete football ground on Sunday, demanding swift action. They reached out to the Goa Sports Authority officials, specifically summoning the contractor and the local MLA, to press for immediate completion.
The contractor and the authorities have committed to initiating the work by the end of August and ensuring its completion by November 30. Mariano Olivier, a resident of the village, said, “Our patience has been exhausted as we witness the continual stagnation of this essential football ground. Our local footballers bear the brunt, being compelled to practice in neighbouring areas. We’ve laid out a clear-cut deadline – November. Failure to meet it will propel us to take to the streets in protest.”
Joao Fernandes, another Ambaulim resident, said that the project was initiated in 2018, yet it remains unresolved in 2023. He revealed that the project’s budget amounts to approximately Rs 1.18 crore. With the tribal department reportedly disbursing funds for the project and the contractor receiving financial backing, Fernandes questioned why the football ground remained in a state of partial completion despite the available resources. He called on the Sports Authority of Goa to assume responsibility for promptly concluding the project.
Local MLA Alton D’Costa extended his support to the frustrated residents, echoing their concerns. The football ground has undergone multiple inspections, yet it remains far from finished. D’Costa joined the residents in questioning the contractor about the reasons behind the protracted delay. The contractor and officials assured that work would commence by the end of August and be completed by November 30.
