MARGAO: As citizens voiced their frustrations regarding the proposed establishment of a restaurant within Margao’s multi-level parking project, the town’s municipal authorities have now joined in expressing their objections.
Ghanashyam Shirodkar, a former Chairperson and one of the senior-most councillors of the Margao Municipal Council (MMC), told reporters here that the council was never informed of plans to include a restaurant within the parking complex. This development comes after Margao MLA Digambar Kamat advocated for the addition of a restaurant to the project.
The objections raised by citizens emphasised concerns that the introduction of a restaurant within the parking complex would attract additional vehicles, potentially exacerbating the town’s existing traffic and congestion issues. Shirodkar questioned how such changes could be made without informing the council, particularly as the proposed plans approved at the council meeting did not mention a restaurant.
He further explained that the municipal council is currently facing difficulties in storing essential documents, and also seized goods from raids. Therefore, he suggested that space within the proposed parking project, if available, should be allocated for storage purposes rather than a restaurant.
Shirodkar also alleged interference in council affairs by individuals with vested interests and called for the government to enact an ordinance allowing only one elected representative for a five-year term, and providing voters the right to elect the chairperson. He emphasised the need to prevent MLAs from interfering in municipal council matters.
Lyndon Pereira, another former Chairperson, confirmed that the issue of setting up a restaurant was never presented to the council during his tenure. He pointed out that the proposed project’s transfer to the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) occurred during his leadership, but the proposal discussed and approved did not include provisions for a restaurant. Pereira stressed the importance of involving the council in any proposed changes to the project, rather than proceeding without its knowledge or approval.
