While much attention has been focused on the crumbling condition of private buildings in Margao, what's equally concerning is the poor state of several government-owned structures, many of which now pose a serious threat to public safety.
From iconic heritage buildings to residential quarters meant for government employees, the danger is widespread.
Key among the affected structures are the historic Communidade building near Hospicio, Kamra de Salcete, the old Margao Municipal Council building, and several blocks at the Junta Quarters located across various parts of Margao and Fatorda.
These buildings have suffered years of neglect and poor maintenance, leading to visible structural damageand growing fears of collapse.
The Junta Quarters, which were originally built to house government staff, are now showing clear signs of wear, with cracked walls, leaking roofs, and damaged staircases. Residents and neighbours say these buildings are no longer fit for occupancy and should be urgently repaired or vacated.
Former Margao Municipal Council (MMC) chairperson Savio Coutinho expressed his dismay at the authorities’ inaction. “What about the Communidade and the old Municipal Council building? It took three years just to complete the repair work on a portion of the Urban Health Centre building,” he said, adding that the same apathy is visible across other government properties.
The Communidade building, once central to local administration, is now visibly crumbling. Kamra de Salcete, too, is deteriorating, and the old Municipal Council building remains untouched despite repeated public warnings. The unsafe conditions at the Junta Quarters add to the list of neglected government assets that are potentially hazardous.
Residents stress that this is not merely a heritage or infrastructure issue but a public safety emergency. “We expect government buildings to be better maintained than private ones, but that’s clearly not the case here,” said a Fatorda resident living near one of the Junta Quarters blocks.
With the monsoon already setting in, locals fear the risk of structural failure is increasing by the day. Despite growing pressure, the Goa government has yet to announce any specific plans to restore, secure, or replace these endangered buildings.