Aldona Congress MLA Adv. Carlos Alvares Ferreira has hit out at the Goa government after a portion of the false ceiling at Peddem Indoor Stadium in Mapusa collapsed, raising serious safety and accountability concerns.
Speaking to reporters following a late-night inspection, Adv. Ferreira demanded that the government hold an inquiry into the incident and ensure those responsible are held accountable. “If it is the contractor’s fault, the repairs must be carried out at the contractor’s cost. If not, the government must identify who is responsible and where the money has gone,” he said.
The MLA expressed shock that the ceiling, which was part of the stadium’s renovation ahead of the National Games, had given way so soon. “This shows poor quality work, siphoning of funds, and commissions taken. Significant money was spent, but the results are clearly substandard,” he remarked.
Ferreira stressed the risks to the public, pointing out that children, athletes, and parents regularly use the facility. “Imagine if this had happened when people were present — lives could have been at risk. You cannot wait for an accident to occur. Regular inspections are a must,” he added.
Calling on the newly appointed Director of Sports, Ajay Gaude, to personally inspect the damage, Ferreira urged the government to “fix accountability at the earliest” and restore the stadium to safe standards.