MARGAO, NOV 19
Margao Deputy Collector Johnson Fernandes has said he would submit a detailed report to the government seeking funds to spruce up the KTC bus stand in Margao.
Briefing newsmen after conducting a joint inspection of the bus stand with representatives of various government agencies, the deputy collector said there are many things which would require government funds to put things in order. The inspection was carried out at the request of GOACAN with a view to improve the pathetic condition of the bus stand operating from a temporary shed over two decades now.
The delegation inspected the sanitation facilities at the bus stand, the canteen, garbage and sewage disposal, besides facilities for the commuters.
This is the second inspection of the bus stand by various agencies and the deputy collector was candid enough in admitting that there’s little improvement in the situation, but promised to put the sanitation facilities in place.
“The agencies and NGOs want an eco-friendly environment for the commuters at the KTC bus stand. We will now approach the government for funds to put things in place. A decision has been taken to open one toilet and a free urinal for the benefit of the commuters”, he said.
Replying to a question over the garbage disposal problem at the bus stand, the deputy collector said that the agencies will take appropriate steps with coordination with the Margao Civic body.
GOACAN Convenor Roland Martins said that something positive has come out of the inspections at the KTC Bus stand and exuded confidence that things will make a headway by new year.
“We had invited all departments, including Health, Legal metrology, Margao Municipal Council to take note of the situation at the bus stand. The KTC canteen kitchen and the disposal of sewage waste was also inspected today”, he added.
Martins lamented that the rates for using the toilets at the bus stand has been raised arbitrarily without realizing that the Margao bus stand is not a tourist place, but is used mostly by the common man.
