Many Portuguese structures have survived in the State for centuries, but a government built structure barely three decades ago is already considered old and in a shabby state.
The situation at the Old market complex at Bicholim is such that shopkeepers, especially on the first floor, face a constant threat to their lives and property.
According to sources, the foundation stone to the building was laid on November 28, 1980, by the first BMC chairman Adv Ramesh Sardesai. When the building was constructed, it proved helpful to many businessmen and many business establishments sprung up around the complex.
The Bicholim Municipal Council (BMC) recently inaugurated its new market complex at a cost of about Rs 6.5 crore and the council seems to have neglected the old market complex.
The staircase to the first floor of the complex is slippery as there is no shade to prevent rainwater. Besides, some portion of the concrete slab has given way and iron bars can be clearly seen in some places, while weeds and other plants seen growing on the walls.
“We are experiencing constant problems these days and the BMC is not doing anything to undertake repair work. Just last year, the BMC had done some patchwork for the slab but it collapsed,” complained a shop owner.
Added another shopkeeper: “There are several problems and they include the condition of the toilets. There are two toilets but even during rainy season there is no water in these taps. Besides, the pipes are constantly leaking and the toilets are choked very often. Most businesses are run by women and they face severe problems in the absence of proper toilet facility.”
BMC has placed a big dustbin in the complex, but it is now damaged and lying on a heap of waste in one corner. Rumours are now rife that the BMC is reluctant to repair the old market complex, because it plans to demolish it and construct a new one.
“We have learnt that the BMC is planning a new building and will demolish this old market complex. But it will take a long time and we won’t know if the new committee elected after some years would have a similar vision,” remarked another shopkeeper.
When contacted, BMC Deputy Chairman, Narayan Betkikar ~ who incidentally also has his own shop in the old market complex ~ admitted that the building is very old and there were several problems, but insisted that the BMC was not solely responsible for the situation.
“The structure is old and even if we undertake some repairs they prove to be useless. The construction is such that it cannot sustain repairs for a long time,” said Betkikar.
Commenting on the poor toilet facility, Betkikar claimed he had made partitions for the toilets so that they could be used separately by women and men.
“Toilets get blocked due to the irresponsibility of people who throw bottles, fish and everything into the toilet, choking them in the process. Even if there is water, the people keep the tap open, which results in water wastage,” he said.
