Porvorim: Fatorda MLA Chief Vijai Sardesai on Tuesday in the Legislative Assembly produced video evidence of construction of Kala Academy building being carried out at the collapsed portion and challenged Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude to prove him wrong.
Vijai produced the video evidence during the zero hour and also placed it on the floor of the House, for the government to act. He claimed that the work was carried out at the collapse portion of Kala Academy and demanded a reply from PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral.
“This is corruption which has led to the collapse of Kala Academy. There has to be free and fair inquiry and that Art and Culture Minister should resign,” Vijai demanded.
On July 17, after the stage roof of Kala Academy’s open-air auditorium had collapsed; Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude had claimed that the collapsed portion was an old structure left untouched by the contractor executing the renovation works of the building.
The Minister had also claimed that the collapsed structure was under the possession of PWD and that it was an independent hall and not part of the main building of the Kala Academy.
The issue was raised at the ongoing Monsoon Session of Goa Assembly wherein Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the House that he will submit a detailed report by IIT-Roorkee before the end of the ongoing 18-day session.
The government had also asked the PWD principal chief engineer to carry out an inspection and submit a preliminary inquiry report within two days.
On the other hand, PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral had said that the government will release a white paper once inquiry is completed
The State Cabinet had awarded the works on nomination basis to M/s Techton Buildcons Private Limited to undertake structural repairs and renovation works including water proofing work, electrical work, HVAC external drainage work allied with civil works at a total cost of over Rs 49.57 crore.
