TEAM HERALD
MERCES: The adamant contractor who was awarded the tender to lay the surface of the Merces ground, had to finally bow down after Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar threatened to blacklist him if the ground is not redone to the satisfaction of the officials and the villagers.
Tawadkar, who paid a visit to the Merces ground on Friday, gave the ultimatum after villagers expressed dissatisfaction over the inferior work on the ground and also complained to him about the adamant behaviour of the contractor who insisted that the ground is complete and ready to use.
It may be recalled that due to the concerted efforts of Merces Sarpanch Walter D’Sousa, the DSYA Director V M Prabhudessai had inspected the ground in June and had declared the surface not suitable for playing. He had then directed SAG officials to get the work redone from the contractor within two months.
Despite the deadline, the contractor failed to comply even as he maintained that the ground is ready to use. This only infuriated the villagers who then threatened to take a morcha to the SAG office if the ground was not ready by October 2.
Tawadkar said his visit to the Merces ground was due to the request from the Merces BJP workers who complained about the inferior quality of the ground. Tawadkar also informed that he will go through the reports of the ground and if need arises he will float fresh tenders.
Prabhudessai, who was present at the inspection, also warned the contractor that if he fails to comply, he would not only be blacklisted, but efforts would also be made to recover the money already paid to him.
“A deadline of another two months has been given to the contractor, failing which action will be initiated against him,” Prabhudessai informed Herald.
Cornered from all sides, the contractor finally agreed to re-lay the surface with soft soil and carpet grass.
SAG Executive Engineer Kuriakose T Xavier, Merces Club President Assis Araujo, former sarpanch Girish Uskaikar, St Cruz BJP Block President Pramod Kamat and others were present on the occasion.
Merces Sarpanch Walter D’Sousa informed Herald that he would continue to take up the Merces ground issue till it becomes a reality. “I have requested the sports minister to ensure that the ground is at least ready by December, as it is needed for the commemoration of the fourth centenary celebrations of Merces Church,” said D’Souza.
