MARGAO: The residents of Margao have lashed out at Margao MLA Digambar Kamat for choosing to use government machinery to put spokes into reconstruction of retired home guard Vimal Shirodkar’s house and now reassuring to make all necessary arrangements to ensure her house is rebuilt.
It may be recalled that Shirvodem Gauncars, locals and Good Samaritans collected money and began to repair Vimal’s house. However, the police were sent to Vimal’s residence and the repair work was stopped with the PWD claiming that it would carry out the reconstruction work.
“It is welcome that Margao MLA, Digambar Kamat finally realised that he had a moral responsibility towards the wellbeing of Vimal. The fact that he chose to use government machinery and funds for the reconstruction, just to sabotage a public initiative is amusing though,” said Savio Coutinho, former chairperson, Margao Municipal Council.
“With this official announcement, we hope that other houses that are damaged due to natural calamities shall also be provided similar reconstruction scheme. There is a rumour doing the rounds in Margao that some abandoned house that collapsed a couple of years back is being listed for reconstruction,” Coutinho said.
“People of Margao know the reason why the Margao MLA chose to interfere in what public intended to do. If he was really interested in reconstructing Vimal’s house, he would have done that immediately. Public got involved only when the MLA and the government was found doing nothing for Vimal,” said Lalan Parsekar, a local resident.
Agostinho Gama from Shirvodem said, “The Margao MLA visited Vimal’s house on the day it collapsed and promised to send workers to clear the debris early morning next day. As nobody turned up till noon, people of Shirvodem along with Savio decided to undertake not only clearing, but reconstruction of the house too.”
“Now many houses are damaged in Margao and other parts of the State. Will the government consider the same aid to those people as well? Or will the government reach there only after citizens take up some steps to help those in distress?” Gama asked.
On Thursday, South Goa Member of Parliament Capt Viriato Fernandes, accompanied by several other Congress leaders, revisited Vimal and pledged full support for the reconstruction of her collapsed house, which was damaged due to heavy rains.
Capt Fernandes, speaking to reporters after his second visit to Vimal, said “Concerned citizens have also offered their help to Vimal, and hence, all financial and moral support will be provided to her. We will ensure that she can re-enter her house very soon.”
It is noteworthy that a day prior, a twist in the incident emerged as Vimal and several locals accused the authorities and local political leaders of creating obstacles in the reconstruction of her house with the assistance of locals.
Vimal will receive govt compensation: Kamat
MARGAO: Margao MLA Digambar Kamat said that Vimal Shirodkar would receive compensation from the government through the South Goa Collector’s office.
“The government is committed to providing necessary support to Shirodkar in the aftermath of her house collapse, ensuring that Vimal receives the assistance she needs during this difficult situation. Her house will be reconstructed with laterite stones,” Kamat stated.
Digambar Kamat could have built a better home for her.
“If Digambar Kamat was really concerned about this lady he could have shown a bigger heart by building a better home for her. So many good Samaritans donated their hard earned money to help her. This is real humanity,” said Savio Coutinho, former Chairperson Margao Municipal Council.
