Team Herald
PANJIM: Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) Commissioner Sanjit Rodrigues on Wednesday informed the council that lack of support from govt authorities has restricted the Corporation from undertaking rehabilitation of 25 toilets, located along the St Inez creek and which are responsible for release of sewage into the creek
“I am frustrated that in last three and half years I am not able to do anything for cleanliness and beautification of St Inez creek. It is a politico-socio-economic problem and not technical problem,” the Commissioner said expressing his helplessness in resolving the long-pending issue.
“I went to all the past three mayors for permission to demolish those 25 toilets which are directly releasing sewage into the creek water. But I could not get any support. No one is willing to act,” Rodrigues added.
He urged the councillor to pass a resolution and grant him permission to demolish the toilets and to act against other shops and establishments discharging waste.
The Commissioner was speaking after a few councillors raised apprehension over non-inclusion of St Inez creek in the Smart City proposal. “As per the smart city guidelines, we cannot include St Inez creek. But the State government is working on the project to clean and beautify the creek,” he said.
Rodrigues said that CCP has proposed to construct barricades on the either side of the creek within five metres area, thereby restricting discharge of waste into the waters. “But for that I need to rehabilitate those huts and toilets located at the edge of the creek. Also the Planning and Development Authority needs to think before granting construction licences to the new project in this area,” he added.
