Following the commencement of the first phase of renovation, the Goa
Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has decided to initiate structural
restoration and redevelopment of the old jetty. The estimated budget for this
endeavor stands at approximately 7.5 crores, with plans slated for completion
within a year.
The iconic Dona Paula Jetty in Panaji, Goa, confronts a
pressing issue as a 49-meter segment of the structure has deteriorated, leading
to its closure for tourists. Nonetheless, the rest of the jetty remains open
and accessible to both locals and visitors.
To facilitate this project, GTDC has issued tenders for contractor
selection, set to open on December 14th. The Public Works Department (PWD) had
earlier recommended the refurbishment of the old jetty after the Public Works
Department (PWD) flagged a section of it as potentially hazardous for tourists.
In a bid to ensure efficient planning and project management, GTDC has
appointed Darashaw & Co as architecture and project management consultants.
The firm will oversee the preparation of drawings and supervise the engineering
and implementation aspects of the project.
Several sections of the jetty’s railing are either damaged or missing in
various locations, as highlighted by the corporation. Electrical fixtures have
also deteriorated, and safety barriers have been displaced or lost.
These collective issues have rendered the jetty potentially unsafe for
tourists, necessitating urgent refurbishment to restore its safety and
functionality. It can be recalled that approximately Rs 5 crore were spent by
the state government to renovate the jetty in 2008, however it soon began to
deteriorate.
