D’Silva has set deadlines to complete the various jobs. “Even the police, fire and others won’t be spared if they don’t complete the work in the stipulated time. I will write to their concerned higher ups and demand action in case of non compliance,” D’Silva said. Discussions revealed major problems in almost all areas. The MMC Chairperson and staff were flayed by councillors for ignoring complaints received on the toll free complaint number. “I have complained several times about the illegal garbage disposal in my ward at the railway station bypass, the complaint is taken and kept in diaries, not redressed. Why do we even have a helpline if it only gives hopes and fails later?” Councillor Damu Shirodkar asked.
Parking space shortage in Margao was also on the agenda and D’Silva noted that though Margao is a revenue rich town for the government, it doesn’t attract funds for a multi-storey parking facility. “The government should tell me if they cannot give us funds for a parking facility, I will build in my capacity,” said an agitated D’Silva.
He had a site inspection of the pickup stand and heard the problems of the pickup owners and promised to look for a solution soon. The municipality has been sending proposals for multilevel parking in several areas in Margao for decades but none have materialised till date. “I want the parking project to be completed while the present council is in power,” D’Silva said.
