ELVINO ARAUJO/TEAM HERALD
After aspiring to become the chairperson of Mormugao Municipal Council since the last three-and-half years, you have finally achieved your goal, albeit by the slimmest of margins, by having won in a draw of lots.
Firstly, I thank the Almighty for his blessings and then my fellow councilors, who supported me and lastly the senior journalist who drew the lot in my favour, thereby giving me a chance to become the chairperson of MMC.
What was your feeling when it was declared that both, you and Bhavna Bhosle, had secured 10 votes each?
When I had heard that both of us got 10 votes each, I was very nervous as I was not sure that I would get elected in a draw of lots. However, I had faith in God and was praying continuously to help me get elected as chairperson.
Now that you have achieved your dream and you have become the fifth chairperson of the MMC’s current tenure, what are your plans for the port town?
I will discharge my duties as chairperson to the best of my ability in the development of the port town. I appeal to all citizens, especially those using MMC premises, to pay all their taxes and dues to the MMC, to enable the council to carry out developmental works. Without their cooperation, I will not be able to fulfill my duties.
Half of the council members did not support your candidature in the elections. How will it be possible for you to forget these differences and work along with them?
In the past, none of the chairpersons was involved in acting in a biased manner and works in all 20 wards were undertaken, irrespective of affiliation. I will follow in their footsteps and will not ignore any councilor while undertaking works in all wards.
The monsoons are a few weeks away and yet, many pre-monsoon works are still pending while most of the rainwater drains in the port town are still blocked. How will you complete these works before the onset of the monsoons?
Most pre-monsoon works in the city are completed and work in other wards is going on. With the help of MMC Chief Officer Y B Tavde and other councilors, I will be able to finish all the pre-monsoon works in time. However, if it rains early, then the work could get hampered. But even then, I will keep the work going and we will dispatch workers where there is urgent need.
It is almost one year since the council had decided to renovate and paint the municipal building. Why is the work still pending?
Earlier, a local industrialist had assured to paint the building, but the local MLA had objected to it and had claimed that he would get the building painted and renovated. But that did not happen. I will request the industrialist to paint the MMC building at least before the Vasco Saptah.
As far as the renovation of the MMC building is concerned, I do not know where the files have got stuck. I know that the Goa State Urban Development Authority (GSUDA) through the Vasco MLA had assured to renovate the buildings and consultants had even conducted some meetings.
I will have to check with the outgoing chairperson to know the status of this pending project.
