The corner stone for the Multi-storeyed parking project at the old fish market area was laid amidst political blame games. Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, BJP National Executive Member Bhai Naik, Former Sports Minister Babu Azgaonkar, MMC Chairperson Arthur D’silva and others were present at the occasion. The plaque of the corner stone was unveiled by MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco in presence of other guests.
The project of the multi-storey car park is worth almost Rs 6 crores and is planned to accommodate 180 to 200 cars. The project was being planned for years from the money received from the Golden Jubilee Fund. A total area of 4800 sq.mts will be utilised for the parking facility. The project’s anticipated completion is in another 2 years and according to the MMC, it will decongest the town parking problem up to 30 percent. The past Margao MLA Babu Naik had planned an identical car park in the year 1979 and now his son Bhai Naik has yet again supported the parking project.
“Wherever there is some blockage or problems in the implementation of the project, I request the veteran councillors and the chairpersons to oblige and try to unclog the problem so that Margao gets good parking space. I will always support the project at all levels,” said Aleixo.
Babu Azgaonkar has congratulated the MMC for the parking project and meanwhile has warned the people opposing the project of dire consequences if they stall work. “We need this project, not just the people but also the Bazaarkaars who have to hunt for a parking spot. We will launch a fierce agitation if anyone or even the MMC in the future attempts to stall the project,” said Babu.
Political infighting
The MMC unveiled a can of worms on Tuesday by unveiling the plaque of the Multi storey car park which had 8 names on it and only 3 turned up at the function. 5 out of 8 Guests like Francis D’souza, Avertano Furtado, Vijai Sardessai, Digambar Kamat, Elvis Gomes and several others whose names are on the name corner stone plaque did not turn up for the function. Not even a single Digambar Camp and Vijai Camp Councillor turn up at the function and the total councillors was restricted to 10. After the war raged between Damu Naik, Rupesh Mahatme and the Council over the hurried function speculations made rounds in Margao whether who will the Deputy CM honour. The absence of Francis D’souza today proved that they keep the party men on priority when it comes to mix ups like these.
The function which was supposed to start at 11.30 later began at 12.30 in the afternoon. The presence of Bhai Naik also raised several eyebrows in the political and public circle.
While speaking at the function Bhai Naik cleared the fact that he is backing the project as the pertinent issue of parking in Margao needs a solution. “Today it is proven that if you are destined to sit on the dais as a Chief Guest of a function then no one can stop it” said Bhai sarcastically yet confidently. Even the Chairperson of Margao didn’t shy away from indirectly pitching the name of Bhai Naik saying “Bhai has been a teacher figure to me and we may as well see you as a Minister in the future” said Arthur. He also said that the function not being attended by many Council is a result of some ‘Pollution’ hinting towards their political affiliations.
However the function was called a flop as not more than 50 people turned up for the event.
