The port town of Vasco is blessed with five fountains and three gardens which are located under the jurisdiction of Mormugao Municipal Council. But sadly all the gardens and the fountains are lying in a dilapidated condition for the past several years. The entire blame for the condition of these gardens lies with the Mormugao Municipal authorities who have turned a blind eye towards their maintenance leaving these public places become an eyesore for the general public.
According to the information, the Mormugao municipality has a total five fountains located in various parts of the port town but none of them has been in working conditions and due to lack of maintenance by MMC. The plumbing accessories, colourful lights as well as the motors attached to the fountains have either gone corroded or are missing.
MMC sources confirmed to Herald that on several occasions the leaders in power made efforts to replace or repair these fountains. However, all their efforts proved futile. Ironically the citizens of port town have made regular complaints to the Mormugao municipal authorities seeking repairs and maintenance but the civic body of Vasco which is considered to be ‘A’ class has failed to carry out the work citing financial crunch.
“Since the financial position of the council is very weak, we are unable to replace or repair these fountains which have gone corroded and most of these fountains are out of order. MMC has approached corporate houses and other financial institutions with a request to take up the works of the fountains under their corporate social responsibility (CSR) schemes. We are hoping they will come forward and extend their help in getting these fountains restarted,” said a Municipal officer under condition of anonymity.
Citizens are also angry with the way MMC has been neglecting to maintain these fountains in Vasco. They have raised serious concerns over the dilapidated conditions of the gardens and fountains.
A resident Pankaj Thorat disclosed that with the onset of the summer season, children, especially students who are enjoying vacations are more attracted towards the gardens and the fountains. But in Vasco there is no place available for the children to spend the evenings in recreation and games.
“The conditions of the fountains at MMC garden next to Hotel La Paz Gardens, and the fountain opposite St Andrew’s Church is in a pathetic state,” said Thorat.
When Herald contacted the City ward councilor to seek his reaction on the issue of ill maintained fountains, he had the following to say.
“MMC has been facing severe financial crisis to develop and beautify the gardens due to which the same has become an eyesore. I will make serious attempts to ensure that at least two to three fountains would be made operational in a week’s time,” assured City ward councilor MMC, Krishna alias Daji Salkar.
