MARGAO: After much delay to get administrative approval, finally, the public works department commenced the repair works of the damaged portion of the heritage building at the Margao Urban Health Centre.
Fearing that the delay could potentially worsen the existing damage and lead to further destruction and after the issue being highlighted in the O Heraldo on regular intervals, the authority concerned seems to be expediting the works of proposal to repair the damaged structure.
It is noteworthy that a portion of the heritage building collapsed in July 2023, prompting immediate directives from Health Minister Vishwajit Rane to prioritise repair efforts. The Public Works Department (PWD) had subsequently drawn up plans for restoration, estimated at Rs 9 lakh.
However, the proposed estimate for the repair works was pending for an administrative approval for the last nine months, leaving officials and heritage lovers in surprise.
Now, reacting to the start of repair works, Iftiyaz Khan, a heritage lover, expressed happiness and urged the concerned authorities to complete the works before the start of the monsoon.
“The concerned contractor needs to expedite the works, and at the same time take care that the heritage is not lost while carrying out the works’ ‘, he stated.
According to Francisco Dias, another heritage lover, this building being one of the oldest one and having a structure of importance, the contractor should not damage the other portion of the building while at work.
We hope that the heritage importance of the damaged portion of the building will be maintained with care, he stated. However, a supervisor at the site informed that they will take at least a month to complete the work and instructions have been issued to them to complete it before monsoon.
Presently, we are carrying out the works very cautionary as there are chances of more damage to the building during the ongoing works as the structure is very old. But we are taking care of the building so that its importance is maintained, he stated.
