Residents of Davondem on Tuesday met the Chief Officer of the Margao Municipal Council (MMC), raising concerns over an alleged unauthorised housing project in the area.
The residents alleged that the municipality has failed to take action against the project, which they claimed was being constructed without the necessary permission from the civic body. They also alleged that meter sheets covering the proposed housing project have not been cleared by the municipality.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
During the meeting, the Chief Officer informed the residents that the matter had been referred for a legal opinion. He said further action would be initiated after the opinion is received.
Advocate Seoula Vaz alleged that residents have been approaching the municipality for several months but claimed that no concrete action has been taken.
“We have been coming to the municipality for the last several months. They keep giving us reasons, whereas action should have already been initiated against the alleged illegalities in Davondem,” Vaz said.
She further alleged that several other unauthorised activities and violations were taking place in Fatorda and called for the authorities to take action.
Local resident Mavuin Guhinho also criticised Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, alleging that the legislator had failed to act on the issue.
“Our MLA is sleeping and keeping his eyes closed because the builder is his good friend,” Guhinho alleged, referring to a recent meeting involving the MLA and the builder.
Guhinho also rejected allegations that the residents supporting the issue were BJP supporters. He claimed that Sardesai had labelled them as BJP supporters and alleged that Sardesai himself had played a role in bringing the BJP to power in Goa in the past.
He further referred to the controversial Regional Plan 2011, alleging that its implementation had resulted in large-scale land conversions in the state.
“We have already made it clear that we have suspended talks with the Congress, and our position remains unchanged. Some so-called political analysts are trying to label us as agents. I want to ask where these people were over the last two years, when we were repeatedly calling for unity?” Vijai Sardesai said.
