The retaining wall which was allegedly removed and damaged with the help of an excavator by Arpora-Nagoa Panch Cleophas Fernandes for a road access is being re-built in view of fast approaching monsoon. The initiative on part of the villagers and MLA Lobo has brought some sort of relief to Xavier Retreat Centre Director Fr Ronnie D’Souza, who has expressed satisfaction over the move.
The contractor entrusted the work has started filling the excavated hilly stretch of the private property or the removed retaining wall which was posing a threat to life and property of inmates of Xavier Retreat Centre.
The villagers were forced to take up the work along with Lobo, as the panch or any other authority has failed to show interest or concern over the threat to the Retreat House at Baga. The villagers have decided to contribute their share of earnings or salaries.
Addressing media persons, Lobo said the villagers of Baga-Arpora, Candolim and Calangute have together decided to carry out construction of retaining wall, which was damaged by Arpora-Baga Panch Cleophas Fernandes.
“If we delay the work, there is every possibility of the Xavier Retreat Centre coming down in rains, so people have decided to fund the project. The State government may not release any funds for the project, as it is a man-made calamity and the government had spent about Rs 1.22 crore over the retaining wall. I appeal to the villagers of Baga-Arpora, Candolim, Calangute and others to help and support the cause, which is estimated to cost about Rs 30 lakh,” said Lobo.
Director of Xavier Retreat Centre Fr Ronnie D’Souza expressed his happiness over the construction of retaining wall by the villagers and Lobo.
Agostinho D’Souza, ex-sarpanch and Panch of Arpora-Nagoa, was also present at the construction site at Xavier Retreat Centre.
