TEAM HERALD
VASCO: Don’t be surprised to find a personal assistant at the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) watching television with a specialised telecast during work hours.
Authorities have turned on the CCTV monitor at the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) to monitor law and order in the port town, even as insufficient manpower and many non-functional CCTV sets continue to hamper the efficiency of the CCTV system.
It may be recalled that Herald had highlighted the non-functional CCTV monitor at MMC and the incomplete installation of the CCTV cameras in Vasco. Acting on the report, the CCTV monitor at MMC was switched on, but about eight CCTV cameras are yet to be made functional.
When contacted, MMC Chief Officer YB Tavde said MMC does not have enough staff to monitor the footages of the CCTV cameras on the monitor.
“I will request my personal assistant to keep a watch on the footage and inform me if she notices any serious matter,” said Tavde.
When asked how the staffer could concentrate on CCTV footage when she has other work to attend, Tavde said the monitor installed at the council hall did not serve any purpose. “In case of any eventuality, at the most I can inform the office of the Mormugao Deputy Collector or the office of Vasco Traffic Police and assist them by sending the MMC staff,” he added.
MMC Vice Chairperson Saifullah Khan also echoed similar views and suggested that CCTV monitor should be shifted to the office of the Deputy Collector or to Vasco Police. “We don’t have enough personnel to look after the footages of the CCTV,” stated Khan.
Market inspection committee Chairperson Fiola Rego said the CCTVs could help to keep a watch on illegal encroachments in the market.
