Team Herald
MARGAO: The Margao Municipal Council building completed 117 years of historic existence, on Saturday. However, no priority from the council even to apply a coat of paint to this piece of beauty has shocked many.
The resolution by the current council to paint the entire building has also failed to see the light of day. Even the council has failed to celebrate this day which has historic importance.
The written documents state that the foundation stone for the municipal building was laid on September 27, 1902, and this imposing new municipal building was built by Caetano Camilo da Silva of Orlim and inaugurated on April 30, 1905.
To construct it, the Governor imposed heavy taxes on the people of Salcete, such was the public resentment of the steep taxes that Arnaldo de Menezes from Raia composed the Mando “Kitlem Odruxtt Amchem”.
“Yet another year has passed, making the Margao Municipal Council 117 years old. But sadly, the council sees no priority to even apply a coat of paint to this piece of beauty in the commercial capital of the State,” former chairperson Savio Coutinho said.
He further said that the previous council, with much fanfare, not only resolved to paint the building, but had also decided to bring back the old colour. But they found more reason in fake tender works, which landed before the Lokayukta. Even before the Hon’ble Lokayukta, the council didn’t find a reason to obtain permission for the painting work. Instead, they sought exemptions for the de-silting works and baling shed works, but failed to execute even these works till today.
“The new council, exactly a year ago, had promised to paint the building before last Diwali, The next Diwali will arrive shortly. People of Margao can only hope against hope for anything good from this council,” Savio said.
Speaking to Herald, few residents of Margao expressed anger against the council for not giving priority to maintain and preserve the historic building.
“The council would have celebrated this day with the people of Margao in order to mark the day. However, I have doubt that any council member is aware of this auspicious occasion, wherein the Municipal building completes its 117 years of existence,” Vinod Shirodkar said.
It may be recalled that soon after taking the charge of the chair, Lyndon Pereira, MMC chairperson had stated that facelift of the municipal building by coat of paints will be his one of the top priorities, but almost 12 months passed not a single brush of paint has been applied for the building.
