ALLAN D’CRUZ
Once billed as a major attraction for residents and tourists in the town, three major fountains in different parts of Vasco have, in the last two years, been reduced to corroded metal fixtures.
The fountains at St Andrew’s Church Square, T B Cunha Square and the Railways Junction Square were built as a major attraction in Vasco, since their installation in 2009-10. Locals and tourists would visit the three fountains in the evenings and many would use the fountains as a background for photographs.
However, the three fountains stopped functioning barely three years later and have not been repaired for over two years.
“The authorities concerned should repair and restore the fountains as they beautified the city. It was a pleasure to see the water sparkling in the light,” said Junied Shaikh, a regular commuter to the port town.
Added a senior citizen, Francis Coelho, “With the three fountains forgotten, unused and left to rust, the garden squares have also been neglected. Worse still, the T B Cunha Square and the railway garden have now become a smoking zone and dustbin for migrants and other domestic tourists visiting Vasco, especially in the evenings.”
When contacted, former Vasco MLA Jose Philip D’Souza was highly critical of the three fountains being abandoned and unused barely three years after their installation.
“The three fountains were constructed during my tenure in 2009-10. I had deputed personnel to maintain the three fountains and to ensure sufficient water level. These three fountains were working till 2012 and elected authorities should have carried on the maintenance work.”
“These unused fountains are a gross waste of public funds. The fountains, which were specially installed to add to the beautification of the town, now lie in ruins,” added D’Souza.
However, Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida said that all three fountains would be restored to their earlier glory.
“The consultant for the St Andrew Church Square had been appointed by the Tourism Department and it is planned to realign the place again. This will be done soon,” said Almeida.
Commenting on the fountain at the Railway Junction garden, Almeida said that the project is at the tendering process with the PWD and would be finalized by February end.
“Then, the T B Cunha Square area is being notified and the fountains will be also repaired and maintained soon.”
Incidentally, the senior-most officer at MMC was unaware about the conditions of the fountains.
“I was not aware of the situation (unused fountains) and since Herald has brought to my notice, I will try to restore it before my term ends in April,” said MMC Chief Officer J Bingui.
