Margao traders still continue to operate shops located in unsafe building!

MARGAO: It seems that a few are least anxious about the risk of losing lives, as traders continue to operate in the shops located in the unsafe building at Margao, and of which a rare portion had collapsed just a month ago, despite being ordered to vacate the premises immediately. 

Around five shops were noticed operating their business by opening the shutters for the last eight to ten days, sidelining the order issued by Margao Municipal Council on July 31. The unsafe building is located at the entrance of the Gandhi Market. 

Reacting to this, the MMC has stated that the shop owners will be responsible for any unwanted incidents that happen in near future.

It may be recalled that on July 31, at 2.40 am, a rare portion of one of the unsafe buildings of Margao collapsed, and it was a lucky escape for nearly 10 workers, who were sleeping on the other side of the first floor. 

This incident had also brought to the fore that nearly 10 shops are operating on the ground floor of the building, including the Royal Hotel, garment shops, besides vendors selling plastics. The hotel’s toilet, bathroom and storeroom were damaged in the incident. 

Soon after the incident, the Margao municipality had carried out an inspection of the building and issued a notice to vacate it immediately, and was also ordered to submit structure stability of the building and to carry out the repair, failing which further actions, as per Section 190 of Goa Municipalities Act 1968 shall be initiated. 

The Mamlatdar had ordered cordoning off the building, and the entrance to the adjacent building was barricaded. 

However, since the last few days the barricades have been removed and few shop owners are noticed operating their business putting lives of theirs and others at risk. 

Speaking to Herald, one of the shop owners said that they cannot wait for more time to operate, as they are losing their business. 

“Yes, a few shop owners have started operating their businesses by opening the shutters,” said the shop owner. 

When contacted, MMC Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes said that the civic body has already issued notices to the owner of the building and also to all the shop owners to vacate the premises immediately. 

“Said building is very old and in dangerous condition and there is every possibility to collapse the remaining part, thereby causing loss to human life and property. Now, it will be the sole responsibility of the shop owners if some unwanted incidents happen,” the CO said.