MARGAO: The multi-level parking project in Margao, which has been long-delayed and eagerly awaited by the town’s residents, now faces a new hurdle. The controversy centres around a proposal to include a restaurant within the parking facility, amove that has sparked a heated debate among stakeholders.
Margao MLA Digambar Kamat has publicly expressed his opinion in favour of allocating space for a restaurant within the multi-level parking project. However, this suggestion has attracted opposition, with a group of concerned citizens, including former Margao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Savio Coutinho, objecting to the idea.
Coutinho issued a stern warning against this move and announced plans to file an official written complaint with MMC and the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA). Furthermore, he indicated that, if necessary, his NGO would not hesitate to approach the High Court to address the issue.
Critics argue that the primary purpose of the multi-level parking facility is to address Margao’s pressing need for adequate parking space due to a severe shortage within the city. Introducing a restaurant within the complex could potentially bring more vehicles to the facility while failing to address the underlying issue of insufficient parking for residents and visitors alike.
The multi-level parking project, for which the foundation stone was laid in 2015, has faced numerous delays and challenges. The MMC had failed to attract suitable bidders to execute the project. The Council’s recent attempt to advance the project in collaboration with GSUDA has yet to see the tender being floated, though MMC has already deposited close to Rs five crore for the project.
Coutinho recalled a previous proposal that considered a public-private partnership model for the parking facility, which included commercial premises in exchange for the contractor’s services. However, this proposal was sensibly abandoned due to concerns similar to those raised in the current debate.
Peter Fernandes, another citizen of Margao, emphasised that the focus of civic authorities and political leaders should be on resolving the commercial town’s traffic and parking problems rather than introducing restaurants.
