Team Herald
MARGAO: The Margao Municipal Council (MMC) meeting on Friday had a 45-point agenda that was, for the first time, discussed for four hours. The meeting faced another adjournment when three activists heckled the councillors, but the matter was resolved after the hecklers were removed from the room.
The councillors took offence to the vigilance complaint against the tenders proposed by MMC last month and resolved to swear an affidavit that the works are clean. Councillor Sadanand Naik stated, “Someone complained and stopped the tender process. The estimation of Rs 5 lakh was according to guidelines and the clearances by the Chief Officer and Director of Municipal Administration (DMA). Where was the question of duplication of work and undervaluation?”
He added, “We want the Council to overlook the complaint and go ahead with the tendering as it is for the development of the town and not for us. We will swear an affidavit that the tenders are correct.”
Chairperson Arthur D’Silva decided to send the Municipal Engineer to the DMA on Monday to get the tendering finalized on Tuesday. He said, “If the process extends ahead of Tuesday, we will call a special meet and get the works done.”
A lot of shouting erupted on the issue of procurement of laptops from Goa Electronics Limited on rent. During the tenure of Naveen Laxman, IAS, as chief officer, six laptops were hired on a rent of Rs 2,000 per month. The issue of passing the rent payment came up and was flatly opposed by all councillors. They also asked the administration to trace a laptop that was missing.
The issues of pay parking, stray animal shelters, workers and wages were discussed. Little was spoken about Margao’s primary problem – garbage – while the issue of exhibition-cum-sales in Margao was deferred. The meeting also saw the councillors bash the former Chief Officer a lot.
The councillors also criticised D’Silva for proposing two luxury vehicles for MMC Engineers. Councillor Pratima Coutinho said, “Why do we need luxury vehicles for engineers when there is an urgent need for dustbins? Work is important, not the vehicle.”
However, D’Silva stated, “The Council was under the impression that the vehicles are being bought from the money of the 13th Finance Commission. Since it is from the municipal funds, we resolved to buy simple and more-affordable vehicles.”
The Council also questioned why IT programmers were hired and paid handsomely when MMC had employees with the same skills. Most issues were resolved, while some were left out due to jurisdiction issues or for being subjudice.
