Margao’s historic municipal building ill-maintained, cries for attention

MARGAO: The annual World Heritage Day celebration on April 18 aims at increasing awareness on the importance of preserving cultural heritage sites and monuments. 

However, it is sad to note that the historic Margao Municipal Council (MMC) building, which will complete 118 years on April 30 this year, stands neglected by the government with regards to its maintenance and conservation.

It’s been over a decade since the heritage building was painted. 

However, Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar said after the MMC forwarded a resolution, Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) is in the process of preparing a plan with regard to providing a facelift to the historic building by spending nearly Rs 4-5 crore, however, GSUDA is still awaiting government approval. 

As far as painting is concerned, it seems to be a distant dream as GSUDA has no powers to carry out such work. 

Taking serious note of the same, Margao residents and heritage lovers have questioned as to why the council and the government failed in maintaining the heritage building. 

At present, creepers have caused major damage to the building as chunks of lime plaster have peeled off. 

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. 

The documents mention that to construct the municipal building, the Governor had imposed heavy taxes on the people of Salcete and such was the public resentment to the steep taxes that Arnaldo de Menezes from Raia composed a Mando ‘Kitlem Odruxtt Amchem’. 

Speaking to O Heraldo, Jose Maria D’Silva, a Curtorim resident, having business in Margao, expressed his disappointment over the government neglect in maintaining the municipal building. 

“It is very important that this heritage building, and particularly the Margao Municipal building needs extra attention so that it is preserved properly,” he said. 

He also stated that this building having historical importance, the council needs to make annual budgetary provisions for its maintenance. 

“It is indeed a shame that the iconic building of Margao Municipal Council cannot get the much needed coat of paint. This building was last painted in 2012, and had seen the unexpected change in colour, from brick red to yellow,” said former chairperson Savio Coutinho. 

He said that initially the Council sought to put the blame on the matter before the Lokayukta four years ago. The Council was exposed for lying over the issue. 

“Now, it’s been three years since the Lokayukta matter is over. The Council’s inability to complete the tender process and the painting work is a mystery. Due to the utter neglect, we can see how badly the structure has been affected, as chunks of lime plaster have peeled off, which have exposed the stone masonry,” he added. 

Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar said that their proposal has been already sent to the government authority and GSUDA which is in the process of taking up the matter. 

“GSUDA has prepared a plan estimated to cost nearly Rs 4-5 crore to provide a facelift to the Margao municipal building and soon they will get into the act,” he added. 

He said that the council is very much serious on the issue and will ensure that the historic building is protected. 

However, a GSUDA official said they are not permitted to carry out the painting work.

“On receiving the resolution from the Margao civic body, we have moved the proposal of renovating the building before the government, but it is yet to be approved,” he informed.