Team Herald
MARGAO: In view of the public resentment, the taxation section of Margao Municipal Council on Saturday collected more than one lakh rupees from the defaulters, despite weekly off. The drive will continue on Sunday too.
On the other hand, the civic body will have their special recovery officer from January 1, in order to recover the dues which are nearly Rs 22 crore.
Speaking to Herald MMC Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes said that in view of the public resentment the taxation section is directed to work on Saturday and Sunday and collect the fees of extra two days.
“The taxation section on Saturday collected more than one lakh rupees of dues from the defaulters. Staff will be working on Sunday too,” he informed.
According to the sources, the CO has directed the taxation section to conduct the recovery drive so that the civic body is able to release the December salary on time.
The civic body has already finalised the appointment of the recovery officer for the period of six months, after the approval of the Directorate of Municipal Administration.
The new recovery officer is most likely to join in the month of January and will initiate the action plans to recover the pending dues in the jurisdiction of Margao Municipality.
It is pertinent to note that the civic body had to struggle a lot in the absence of a recovery officer for the past many years.
Responding to the alleged decade old tree of Lohia Maidan cut down by the contractor in wake of beautification work, the CO clarified that it was not axed deliberately.
“I have been informed that a tree fell down at the time of work in progress, and there is no issue. The importance of the Lohia Maidan will be maintained,” he stated.
The CO further informed that he has already directed the concerned staff to stop fairs from December 19.
