TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
CURCHOREM: Confirming that two buildings in Curchorem are unsafe and pose a threat to occupants and adjacent business establishments, the PWD has advised the Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council (CCMC) to vacate the premises and to initiate action to demolish the buildings.
The CCMC received a report from Sub-Div II of PWD (Quepem) regarding structural stability of two buildings located in Curchorem market, in the aftermath of the building collapse at Canacona that had left 31 workers dead and many others injured.
The old municipal building and Costa building, both situated near the railway station, were inspected by PWD officials in the presence of the municipal engineer and an ex-PWD engineer.
Commenting on the old municipal building, the report states that various RCC columns, beams and slabs are distressed with the concrete cover having given way and reinforcement being exposed with 100 per cent corrosion of steel bars at many places.
“The actual age of the building is not known, however, it appears that no maintenance/repairs works have been carried out since last 15 to 20 years,” the report stated.
The report about the Costa building stated that a major part of the first floor along with the roofing had already caved in/collapsed due to lack of maintenance/timely repairs.
The report also stated that both the buildings are unsafe for occupants within the buildings as well as to the public, including adjacent business establishments, within the market.
“It is recommended herewith that the council may act to vacate the shops/godowns and initiate action for demolition of the buildings as per rules in force,” the PWD assistant engineer stated in his report.
