Digambar bats for the past, Vijai the practical present, over last Portuguese building

JULIO DSILVA

julio@herald-goa.com

Will the last building to be constructed by the Portuguese in Goa, the Administrative Building of Salcete Comunidades be demolished to erect a new one? Yes if Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai has his way. No, if Margao MLA Digambar Kamat has his way.

The majestic looking building situated in the heart of the city next to the Margao Municipal Council building is recognized as an architectural marvel for its design. However, it is slowly crumbling down due to lack of maintenance and its walls look soggy and wet now during the monsoons.

Incidentally this building was inaugurated on March 3, 1962 by the then Military Governor of Goa K P Candeth.

The Deputy Director of Panchayats used to occupy the Southern wing of the first floor and has since shifted to the Matanhy Saldanha Administrative complex and this wing is now occupied by the Office of Administrator of Comunidades, South Division which has abandoned the northern wing of the first floor.

The Comunidade staff could not work in the Northern wing which used to leak during the monsoons and even many Comunidade records were destroyed.

The Goa State Co-operative Bank is occupying the Southern wing of the ground floor while the Northern wing is occupied by Gomantak Rashtrabhashan Vidyapat.

Currently the Zonal Agriculture Office, Superintendent of Customs & Central Excise Audit unit, Goa Freedom Fighters Association and Yusuf Driving School occupy the ground floor with the offices of Superintendent of Customs & Central Excise and Goa Freedom Fighters Association mostly remaining closed.

Yusuf Driving Classes has been functioning from the office since liberation of Goa and has been paying rent to the Comunidades.

Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardesai disclosed that the ZAO Dattatraya Pandit has been asking for shifting their office since they are finding it difficult to work due to the poor condition of the building.

“A centrally located government building like this should be alive and thriving,” said Vijai.

While having a look at the building after the Goa Revolution Day celebration, Vijai suggested that the building be demolished and a new building be erected. However, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat does not agree. He, who was also present, objected and argued that the architectural glory and historical significance of the building will be destroyed if it is demolished. He suggested that the building be strengthened and maintained properly and even suggested that an exhibition of Goa’s freedom fighters be housed in the building so that the younger generation can know those who fought for Goa’s liberation.